Marge wants to make 2011 the year she gets back in shape.

"I want to get my health on the right track," said the Strongsville resident, who asked that her last name not be used. "My goal is to be healthy and eat right."

She was among roughly 200 people to sign up for Strongsville Weighs Less, the citywide get-fit initiative sponsored by the Strongsville Women's League. The program, which kicked off this week, includes a weight-loss contest and bi-weekly talks and demonstrations from nutrition and fitness experts, as well as support from friends and neighbors.

"I already know how to do it," Marge said. "I'm here for the encouragement and to listen to the speakers and, I hope, lose 15 or 20 pounds."

About 150 people registered for the 12-week initiative, which is open to anyone who lives or works in Strongsville, at the initial weigh-in and health fair Jan. 8. Several dozen more signed up Jan. 10 at a second-chance registration.

"We're providing the support you might not get if you try to do this alone," said Beverly Kenworthy, a Strongsville Women's League member who is coordinating the program.

If you missed the weigh-ins, there's still a chance to join. People can register at any of the bi-weekly events although, of course, it will give them a later start for the weight-loss contest, which will end April 9 with a final weigh-in.

The first of the events is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13 at the Event Center in the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Recreation and Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Road. Sara Stein, M.D., a psychiatrist and author of Obese from the Heart, will speak.

The other speakers include Rebecca Fredrick of Strongsville Family Practice (Jan. 27); Susan Albers, PhD., psychologist and author of Eating Mindfully (Feb. 19); Joshua Miller, D.O. of the Cleveland Clinic (Feb. 24); a MetroHealth Medical Center cardiologist (March 10) and Bryan McIntosh of Dynamic Fitness in Strongsville (March 24).

Kenworthy said there will also be demonstrations from Jeff Ellis' International Karate Centers and Viva Dance.

"One size doesn't fit all with this," she said. "We want people to have lots of options."

In the style of TV's Biggest Loser, the weight-loss competition will be measured by the percentage of weight participants have lost rather than actual pounds. 

The Strongsville Women's League used members who are nurses to weigh in participants to offer a measure of comfort to those reluctant to divulge their weights. The scales were hidden from public view by wooden screens.

"Everything is private," Kenworthy said. "Only a couple of us will see the data base."

Cost to join is $20. For more information, e-mail Kenworthy or call her at 440-268-0185.