POINT PLEASANT — The year 2010 is still fresh and new, which means that it is not too late to work toward the resolution of weight loss and an overall healthier lifestyle.

To help residents achieve this goal, Pleasant Valley Hospital along with Sunny 93.1 FM are sponsoring the 60-Day Challenge weight loss program. The challenge is slated to officially kickoff Feb. 1.

To compete, teams must be comprised of three contestants. There are no limits for the number of teams that will be allowed to enter the challenge. Weigh-ins will take place on the first day of the challenge at the PVH Wellness Center from 6:30-8:30 a.m., noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Those who participate in the challenge will receive a free PVH water bottle. Participants also will have the option of purchasing their first monthly membership to the Wellness Center and getting the second month free — this offer is only good for those taking part in the challenge. However, there is no fee to compete in the challenge itself.

Amy Leach, director of community relations at PVH, described the challenge as step in improving one’s health.

“The 60-Day Challenge is a great opportunity to make exercise and healthy eating a priority. Whether you are an athlete with a few holiday pounds to remove, a mother of three who hasn’t lost the weight from baby number one or a person who is just starting down that healthy road, this program can help kick start that commitment,” Leach said. “If you’ve ever tried to lose weight or wish you had more energy, now is the time to achieve those goals. There’s nothing to lose, except body fat, and everything to gain — your health, your confidence and your self esteem.”

Darin Smith, manager of the PVH Wellness Center, agreed that the challenge was a way to jump start a healthy lifestyle.

“At Pleasant Valley Hospital, we are dedicated to improving health, wellness and fitness through weight loss. We accomplish this through knowledge, education and support,” he said.

During the challenge’s official weigh-ins, each participant will be weighed in a private setting and their body fat percentage will be recorded. The final weigh-in is slated for Monday, April 12 from 6:30-8:30 a.m., noon-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. At the end of the 60 days, the top three teams to lose the highest combined percentage of body weight will win money for their favorite charities — checks will be made out to charities not individuals. The first place team will receive $500, while the second and third place teams will receive $300 and $200. The winning team also will receive monetary prizes donated by Bell Construction.

Team sign-ups are now available at the Wellness Center. For more information on the 60-Day Challenge, call 304-675-7222.