RANGELEY – One-tenth of Rangeley’s population is on a mission to weigh less, gain muscle and be healthier.

“A little competition along the way keeps people motivated,” said Suzanne O’Neil, a participant in the Rangeley Biggest Loser contest.

The 12-week program started March 3 and drew more than 125 participants, or 10 percent of Rangeley’s full-time population, to the Rangeley Health and Wellness Pavilion, Rangeley Region Health Center President Leeanna Wilbur said Thursday. The number is actually higher since some people may not be registered in the contest but are following the program, she said.

“We really wanted to start 2008 with a program that reflects our commitment to this community’s health and wellness,” she said, “something that would be fun to do during March, April and May when snow goes and there’s Rangeley mud.” It would also appeal communitywide and address health issues, of which obesity

is one, she added.

Borrowing the premise of television’s “Biggest Loser” show, the Rangeley Biggest Loser contest is actually based on Bill Phillips’ “Body For Life” program, she said. The center board bought the book for each contestant and Wellness Pavilion fitness trainer Jon LaMarche designed a program manual based on the book’s principles, she said. It gives participants the basics on exercise and nutrition.

“The results are achievable, and the program can be adopted into any lifestyle, which makes this something that can truly change lives. Seeing the incredible response rate, I know we are going to make a difference for so many people,” LaMarche said in a news release.

Now, 14 teams of nine to 10 people are earning points for their team and as individuals. Prizes will be awarded for the first three teams, and the top loser or the one with the most points can win a trip for two to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, she said. The contest ends May 23.

Contestants can earn a point for each pound lost and one for each inch lost at weekly weigh-ins. They can also earn a point for their team each time they go to the gym and exercise, Wilbur said.

“One of the big objectives is to get everyone participating even if they don’t have to lose weight so participation brings points for the team,” she added. “The community has really bought into the contest. You see the book everywhere.”

Wilbur opens the gym at 5 a.m.

Before the contest started, there would be half a dozen there. Now, it’s up to 20, she said. More than 89 new gym memberships were bought during the first night promotion, she added.

“There’s a good mix of men and women on the teams. Some only want to lose 10 pounds while others have a couple hundred to lose,” O’Neil said. Some children are also involved, including a couple of teenagers and a child in the second grade, she added.

The program was open to everyone at no charge whether they were a member of the gym of not, “But significant reductions in membership and private trainer costs were offered the first night,” O’Neil said.

Fitness center staff are providing additional nutrition and exercise classes, said Nancy Bessey, board member who helped develop the contest.

Local restaurants are offering new items on their menus for calorie counters, she added.

“The book is one of the best for fitness beginners. It’s so simple and just a half hour a day can make a dramatic difference in your body. It’s not a fad but gives people the tools to rework their lives,” she said.

People are still calling, but although they missed the sign-up for this contest, they can follow the program and learn the principles, she said. With the response, other contests may be considered, she added.