Losing One Million Pounds One City at a Time - MSN Health & Fitness

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John Leggett wants to get back in shape, like he was when he served as a paratrooper in the Persian Gulf War.

Melissa Steward was a barrel racer in high school, 10 years ago, and wants to return to “rodeo shape.”

Chris and Melissa Guillaume have been overweight for most of their lives, and know that it’s a condition that’s jeopardizing their wellbeing–particularly Melissa, a 32-year-old registered nurse who sometimes feels guilty dispensing health information to others when she seems to be ignoring it herself.

“Life is too short,” she says, “and I’ve got to do something about it now.”

Those four, along with more than 1,000 others, took their first step toward serious weight loss at in suburban Chicago, at the first of several nationwide “Million Pound Match-Up” events, co-sponsored by MSN Health & Fitness and “The Biggest Loser: Couples.” Some fans of the NBC show, which recently kicked off its fifth season, came from as far away as St. Louis—the Guillaumes drove up the night before from Indianapolis—and some arrived at the Gurnee Mills shopping mall at 5 a.m. to stake out a place in line.

At the events, participants can sign up for the Million Pound Match-Up online sweepstakes and prize giveaways; consult with local nutritionists and fitness trainers; meet past "The Biggest Loser" stars; find a weight-loss partner; and take "before" photos for their Windows Live Spaces blog to chronicle their weight-loss journey.

“We’ve been watching ‘The Biggest Loser: Couples’ on TV and we’re using it as motivation to start taking care of our bodies, says Leggett, 50, of Naperville, Ill., who hopes to ultimately drop at least 100 pounds off his 343-pound frame.

Participants met Marty Wolff and Amy Hildreth—the “Biggest Loser” sweethearts who got engaged on the third season reunion show—and Kae Whang, who lost 97 pounds during the show’s fourth season.

“The kindness I’ve seen from so many people—I was [initially] doing this for myself and to help others is the most rewarding experience you’ll ever have,” Whang says. “Who knew a year ago that anybody would ever ask me for fitness advice!”

The Guillaumes kicked off 2008 by dedicating themselves to losing weight. After the first two weeks of the year, Chris had lost three pounds, down to 357. Melissa, who was at her all-time high of 400 pounds, lost 10 pounds in that same time period. Her long-term goal: 145 to 150 pounds. They’ve made drastic changes to their diets—cutting back on carbs, eliminating fast food, eating smaller portions, eating more salads and fruit—and started regular workout regimens.

“When you’re young you don’t always realize what bad habits do with your life,” says Chris, 31.

Adds Melissa: “Now we’re getting into do-or-die time.”

“The Biggest Loser: Couples” Million Pound Tour has events scheduled in Wichita, Kan., Jan. 19-20; Phoenix, Jan. 26-27; Houston, Feb. 2-3; and Miami, Feb. 9-10. For more tour information, visit biggestloser.msn.com.