Ruben Studdard is Scaling Back Alabama

You may know him as the Velvet Teddy Bear, but folks in Alabama will soon be calling Ruben Studdard coach. Studdard, who has lost nearly 100 pounds, has agreed to coach his fellow Alabamians to health in the Scale Back Alabama campaign. Studdard is asking the more than 25% of Alabama residents who are obese to join the challenge, which will kick off on January 22, 2007. Studdard is asking obese residents to lose at least ten pounds, for a state total of 10 million pounds, in eight weeks.

As it is a known fact that there is strength in numbers and that successful weight loss is more likely with support, the campaigned is designed for team participation. Each team will consist of three to five members. Teams will weigh in on January 22, 2007. Progress will be monitored via weekly emails from team captains reporting the current weight of their teams.

The final step in the process is a final weigh-in on March 19, 2007. The total percentage of weight loss will be calculated for each participating team. The team with the highest percentage of weight loss will win a cash prize of $1000 per team member, compliments of Barber's Dairies. In the event of a tie, a random drawing will determing the grand prize winner.

According to a report released by Trust for America's Health, Alabama has the second highest adult obesity rate at 28.7 percent. Local hospitals are promoting the campaign, in hopes that Alabamians will be motivated to eat healthier and stay active. The campaign is being sponsored by Alabama hospitals, the Alabama Department of Public Health and Barber's Dairies.

For more information or to find out how to sign your team up, visit www.scalebackalabama.com.