Losing is not always a bad thing.

To start the new year, UK’s Health & Wellness Program in the Department of Human Resources is offering a Biggest Blue Loser competition for UK employees and their spouses, as well as UK retirees.

Karen Bryla McNees, a dietician in the Health & Wellness Program, said the competition is in its third year and only for participants in the ongoing Weight Loss Matters course.

“It’s for those who are losing motivation or struggling a bit,” McNees said. “The competition gives them a little extra something they need.”

The Biggest Blue Loser is a 10-week program that requires participants to exercise four days a week, complete eight food and exercise diaries, and attend classes for at least eight of the 10 weeks.

McNees said the winners are not judged on pounds lost, but on the percentage of weight lost instead.

“We like having that focus, it’s not all about the weight,” McNees said.

In-person and online classes are available, and up to 100 people can participate, McNees said. Coming to the weekly weigh-ins keeps participants accountable, she said.

“People join the program for that reason,” McNees said. “They know how to diet … but they just need that accountability tweak by seeing us face to face.”

The deadline to apply for the competition is Dec. 18.