Local participation in the Scale Back Alabama has exceeded last year’s total by nearly 40 people.

Weigh-ins for the 10-week statewide weight loss initiative were held Monday and Tuesday at Andalusia Regional. At the end of the two-day registration, 34 teams were registered – an increase of nine teams.

“That’s 136 individuals,” said ARH’s Valarie McCalman, who coordinated the program’s registration process. “We are so pleased that there was an increase over 2011’s 25 teams, or 100 participants.”

The goal is for each participant – who is competing on a team of four – to lose 10 pounds in the 10-week period. Participants will compete on teams of four for statewide recognition and prizes.

Statewide weigh-ins will continue throughout the week, and the program will close in April. The local weigh-out is set for April 9 and 10.

McCalman reminded participants that, as in years past, ARH is offering a nutrition class taught by their registered dietician, John Newsom. The 10-consecutive Wednesday classes will begin Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. in the hospital dining room.