Ten Atlanta Women Enter L A Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge With One Goal: To Lose.

The starting gun will fire Nov. 16, when 10 Atlanta women race to lose a cumulative 504 pounds in six months or less with the help of the L A Weight Loss Controltrim Challenge. At stake: a $1,000 shopping spree and complete program fee reimbursement.

ATLANTA -- Atlanta might be the first

city in the United States to host a race where contestants want to lose. But that's precisely the point of the first-ever "Atlanta Controltrim Weight Loss Challenge," sponsored by the L A Weight Loss program. The race features 10 women eager to regain their health by competing against each other--and the calendar--to make their weight loss dreams a reality. Two special prizes wait at the finish line: Women who meet their goal weight by May 16, 2008 will be reimbursed for the program fee, while one grand prize winner will take home a $1,000 new wardrobe shopping spree.

The race guidelines are simple: Meet with an L A Weight Loss counselor one-on-one for sound nutritional advice, custom meal planning, and supportive counseling three times a week. Weigh-in once a week at the L A Weight Loss Center. Maintain a daily diary of meal plans. And finally, incorporate Controltrim into their everyday cooking.

"Truly healthy, effective, long-term weight loss requires more effort than simply stepping on a scale every once in a while," says Diane Lassiter, Director Corporate Operations for the Atlanta L A Weight Loss market. "We will teach these 10 women how to eat to live, rather than live to eat. That's why we're confident that, in six months, they'll not only overcome this center's challenge, but also conquer their own lifelong struggles with weight, and be happy and healthy for a long time to come."

Meet the 10 women stepping up for their dramatic transformations:

* Alora Gaddy, 50, starting weight is 188 pounds. Alora is striving to match her age in weight loss by losing 50 pounds. Her motivation is to reduce her cholesterol and blood pressure levels and spend more time with her grandchildren.

* Dawn Fleming, 54, starting weight is 190 pounds. Dawn is aiming to lose 60 pounds and improve her health. Fast food has always been her challenge, but now she's facing a new one. And if she wins, she could be on her way to Hawaii, the reward promised by her husband.