With more than one million pounds lost, Alabamians still have millions more to lose, according to the hosts of Scale Back Alabama, an annual statewide weight-loss competition.

This year, the charge will be led by Gina McDonald, a Birmingham lawyer and a participant in NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” who is committed to the task and understands first-hand the tremendous health benefits of losing weight and exercising.

“I’m told that over the past seven years, there have been about 30,000 people a year participate in this free contest from all parts of the state,” said McDonald. “It’s quite an accomplishment, but it’s not enough. Alabama remains one of the most obese states in the nation, and it’s killing our citizens.”

Scale Back Alabama is a 10-week long, weight-loss and exercise contest hosted by Alabama’s hospitals and the Alabama Department of Public Health with generous underwriting by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama.

Participants must form teams of four people and register at weigh-in sites the week of Jan. 18 – 24.  Weigh-in sites for Butler County are the Butler County Health Department and L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital’s Physical Therapy office.

Those who complete the contest and weigh out are eligible to be entered in drawings for cash prizes.

“I’m encouraging anyone who wants to lose a few pounds to find some friends and join the contest,” said McDonald.  “We also need additional public weigh-in sites, so if your business, gym, church, etc., is interested in hosting weigh-ins, we urge you to go to the website and sign up.”

McDonald won the “Biggest Loser” at-home prize of $100,000 after losing 113 pounds, 46 percent of her body weight.

Through her health journey to eat better and exercise, she was able to reverse her diabetes, sleep apnea and high cholesterol.

McDonald was raised in Mississippi, but obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a law degree from Birmingham School of Law.  She currently is the owner of Gina H. McDonald & Associates, LLC, with offices in Pelham and Oneonta that focus on consumer and business bankruptcy.