UA Chi Alpha members are working with chapters in Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas Community College to sponsor a Biggest Loser competition, officials said.

The winner, who is judged by the percentage of weight lost rather than pounds, will receive $500. Gift baskets assembled by Chi Alpha members will be given to anyone who achieves 10 percent weight loss.

Since there will be no weigh-ins between the beginning and end of the competition, optional groups are in place for participants that would like accountability.

“One group is for guys. They play basketball together on Thursday nights, and it helps keep each other accountable,” said Courtney Hoover, Chi Alpha staff member.

These student-led groups offer a range of activities. Group membership is optional, but recommended for those who hope to stay on track.

“All of the major weight loss programs say that you need a weekly support system. You can’t just let yourself go and then try and do it all at the end. It’s really unhealthy,” Hoover said.

Competition officials will provide nutritional guides to participants at the weigh-in to underscore the importance of healthy living over weight loss.

“We also have the option to meet with a nutritionist at any time that they would want to schedule it,” Hoover said.

The main mission is to contribute to the campus. However, all money collected through the competition goes to ministries that Chi Alpha supports.

“It’s a giving back to the campus, because we’re promoting healthy living,” Hoover said.

“We are raising money for the mission projects that we’re doing,” Hoover said. “We work with an orphanage overseas. Also for local non-profit organizational support, for campus outreach, student development, and international student connections such as Free Food Friday.”

Free Food Friday is a weekly event at 6 p.m. in the Chi Alpha house on Leverett Avenue.

“Area churches cook all of this food and we offer the food for free to any student on campus to come and have a home-cooked meal on Friday nights,” Hoover said.

Registration begins Jan. 17 in the Arkansas Union. Those interested may register for $20. A booth will be set up during weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Connections Lounge, said Mack Clements, graduate student and member of Chi Alpha.

Students and professors are welcome to participate and compete against students who register with the Bentonville and NWACC chapters, said Courtney Hoover.

The competition will span six weeks and consist of two meetings – a weigh-in on Feb. 1, and a weigh-out on March 14.