Alabama will once again have the chance to “scale back” with an eight-week program geared towards losing weight and getting healthy.

Scale Back Alabama kicked off Jan. 11 at various sites around the county and state. It’s a program designed to help residents get fit and drop pounds and maybe even win some money at the end.

“I’m really thrilled every time I see someone come through the door and want to get weighed in because I know that person is really concerned about their health,” said Callie Nelson, extension coordinator for the Dallas County Extension Office. “Taking those ponds off can really make a big difference and a big impact and prolong your life.”

The program is for teams of two and the goal is to lose 10 pounds in 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, team members will weigh in. Those teams with both members losing at least 10 pounds will be entered into a drawing. Three teams will receive $1,000 per team member, another three teams will receive $500 per team member and another team will be awarded $250 per member. Individuals are also up for awards.

“I think the money is a great motivational factor. We all could do a lot with $1,000,” Nelson said. “A lot of people made it a competition within their family. We try to give you information to keep you motivated and encourage you to do physical activity and what to eat and those types of things.”

In 2016, 10,826 teams signed up across the state, 1,018 teams had both members to lose the 10 pounds and 7,642 individuals lost weight, but didn’t meet the 10-pound goal. A total of 76,485 pounds were lost during the program last year. Nelson said last year, the Extension Office had around 100 people to sign up and more than 65 of them finished the 8-week program.

“I’m really excited to get it started. It’s such a good program,” Nelson said.

“Once people get in the habit of eating better and exercising, they don’t want to go back to that old way. It just becomes a habit, and that’s what you want.”

There are two places for people to weigh in Dallas County. The Dallas County Extension Office and Vaughan Regional Medical Center are both weigh in sites.  Those interested in participating in Scale Back Alabama still have time to join. The weigh in process is ongoing until Jan. 18. To see the dates and times available or to register, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.