After our first weigh-in on Monday, January 26^th, we have 58 participants ready to become the biggest loser in Shelby County — of weight, that is. It’s not too late to join in the fun with this exciting weight loss program.  The deadline to enter is Monday, February 2^nd.  A monetary award, gym membership, a hair make-over, massages, and gift cards are among the prizes available for the most successful competitors in the county’s version of “The Biggest Loser” contest.

Stop by the Shelby County Extension office located at 200 San Augustine Street, #7 (active courthouse annex building) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to weigh-in, submit a $30.00 participation fee and have your picture taken. 

Winners in the Biggest Loser contest will be determined by the percentage of body weight they shed during the three-month competition, not by lost pounds.  All participants will be encouraged to check-in periodically to chart their progress, which ends with a final weigh-in at the Shelby County Extension office on April 21, 2015.  The winners will be recognized at an upcoming County Commissioners meeting.

Shelby County Extension Agent, Jheri-Lynn McSwain says the Shelby County Fit program also will include a weekly Zumba class, a gym membership, Sonic Boom participation with county employees, healthy cooking classes, 5K fun run/walks and fitness routines to do at home.

McSwain says she expects the Biggest Loser program to make a big impact at the start of the Shelby County Fit campaign. “This is a contest designed to be fun” she says, “but at the same time help people achieve their weight-loss goals. And although there are prizes, everyone who reaches a healthier weight is a winner.”

If you have questions about this wellness program, please contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences at 598-7744 or Jheri-Lynn.Smith@ag.tamu.edu.