The time has come to find a partner and sign up to drop at least ten pounds by the end of March.

Scale Back Alabama, the statewide weight-loss program, is free and designed to urge Alabamians to get healthy and have fun along the way. The competition was held for the first time in 2007. Since that time, Alabamians have lost more than 1 million pounds.

Participants compete in teams of two by signing up at local weigh-in sites or registering online. In Franklin County, official weigh-in sites are the Russellville Hospital and Russellville Public Library. Teams weigh in together during opening week, Jan. 11-18, and weigh out together during March 15-22.

Scale Back Alabama tackles the state’s challenge with obesity. To participate in Scale Back Alabama, an individual must be 18 years old minimum, live or work in Alabama and team up with a partner.

Organizers have established numerous guidelines for Scale Back Alabama, including:

* Partners cannot switch teams after signing up. If a team member must drop out, the team isn’t eligible for the grand prize drawing. However, the remaining participant remains eligible for individual prizes.

* A person can participate only on one team.

* Participants should wear normal clothing for weigh-ins.

For more information and guidelines, visit scalebackalabama.com.