It’s hard to believe anyone would want to be dubbed the biggest loser, but that’s what participants in the so-named reality TV show strive to achieve. The show is all about weight loss, a familiar one for many people in the world – including myself.

The show features two teams of obese people who weigh in each week in an effort to continue on course for the $250,000 grand prize and, of course, a new lease on life. They are doing it under the close eye of a team of health experts.

PromiseLand West, a church currently meetings Sundays at the Westlake High School Performing Arts Center, hosted an event Sunday featuring former “The Biggest Loser” contestants Phil and Amy Parham kicking off a new local version of the show. The six-week contest will feature 50 local residents who will compete for big prizes after receiving a medical assessment, a nutrition plan and a physical trainer.

Every contestant will receive prizes, including free running shoes from RUN TEX, and Austin’s Biggest Loser will receive a lavish wellness gift package worth more than $2,000. It includes a gym membership and gift certificates.

I meant to attend Sunday’s kickoff because I, too, am trying to be a big loser, especially in the realm of weight loss.

My quest to lose was inspired in part by a New Year’s resolution that I’d failed miserably at for 15 years, until this year. My only prize will come from knowing that I may enjoy better health. And, thanks partly to the New Year’s resolution to lose 25 pounds this year and partly to persuasive power of my incredible doctor, Donovan Smith, I’ve finally actually lost weight – 19 pounds so far.

Sadly, my version of “The Biggest Loser” would be how to lose weight without the aid of an exercise program. I have plenty of excuses for failing in this all-too-important aspect of healthy weight loss, but none are very good. Essentially, my excuses all stems from laziness. Saying that I don’t have the time is simply not true.

Oh yeah, as mentioned in a previous column, another excuse is fear of hurting or wearing out my artificial knee. This prompted one kind, caring lady to come in to suggest water aerobics. My problem is that requires locking into a certain timeframe.

Of course, Dr. Smith’s advice included an exercise program, and I know it is essential. I must start using the two exercise machines and basketball court at my home very soon.

And, if I find time for a water aerobics class or two each week, I’m sure the rest of the 25 pounds, and maybe a lot more, will start melting away in no time.