A version of the Biggest Loser, called Losing Big Petersburg will be sponsored by the Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department beginning in February and the public is encouraged to put their voting power to work for the event.

“I have done one of these programs in another city,” Petersburg Parks and Recreation Director Donnie Hayes said. “It was successful there and I think our little community will embrace this event.”

Hayes is hoping this event will become a recurring program that will take place at the beginning of every year.

The focus for Losing Big is not just weight loss, i...