Alabama weight loss program begins 7th year | Health

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A program designed to help Alabamians lose weight is kicking off its seventh year.

The state Department of Public Health is encouraging four-member teams to start forming for Scale Back Alabama. The teams will weigh in the week of Jan. 19-25 and weigh out the week of April 6-12. The winners will be announced April 26.

There is no charge to enter. Teams where each member sheds at least 10 pounds are eligible for a random drawing where the first prize is $4,000, the second prize $2,000 and the third prize $1,000.

Nearly 30,000 people participated in Scale Back Alabama during 2012 and they lost nearly 149,000 pounds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figures that 32% of Alabama adults are obese.

Online: http://www.scalebackalabama.com

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