For Kristie Allen, Scale Back Alabama – which began a couple of weeks ago – will have special meaning this year: it’s the first year she is participating as a weigh-in site coordinator.

Scale Back Alabama, a free statewide weight-loss program designed to encourage Alabamians to get healthy and to have fun while doing it, is geared toward adults and is primarily operated with the help of local employers, hospitals and health departments.

Individuals compete on teams of two to win the chance at cash prizes.

It’s been going on, Allen said, since 2007.

“They encourage you to try to lose one pound a week for ten weeks,” she said. “It’s a lot of fun. I’ve done it in the past, and I’ve lost weight.”

Sign-ups and initial weigh-ins took place at multiple weigh-in sites across Franklin County – West Elementary School, Russellville Public Library and Russellville Hospital, in addition to the Franklin County Extension Office in the courthouse.

“It’s a good weight-loss challenge,” Allen said. “If you lose weight, you’re going to feel better, and you’re going to have more energy.

Allen, who is an advocate for good nutrition with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said scalebackalabama.com will share health, fitness and weight-loss tips online each week of the challenge – tips anyone could benefit from whether or not they are participating in SBA, like exchanging sugary drinks for water; adding more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; getting proper rest; and focusing on slow and steady progress.

For more information on Scale Back Alabama, visit scalebackalabama.com.