Participants in the Lighten Up Iowa contest are halfway through and down 11 and a half tons, say organizers.

The teams have also racked up more than a million miles of accumulated activity, said Lynn Allen, coordinator of the Lighten Up Iowa campaign.

The Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Games and ISU Extension have joined to co-sponsor Lighten Up Iowa, designed to encourage better nutrition and physical activity habits among Iowans.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 57 percent of the state is considered to be obese or overweight. It is also ranked 14th in the United States in terms of obesity.

The goals of Lighten Up Iowa are to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and weight loss among Iowans. These goals are accomplished using two methods: distance traveled and weight lost.

“It is an effort that is lighthearted and fun, but deadly serious about addressing the most serious public health issues plaguing Iowa,” said Tim Lane, representative in the division of Health Promotion in the Iowa Department of Public Health.

Obesity contributes to diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and depression, Lane said. This creates high health care costs.

“The goal of Lighten Up Iowa is to stop and reverse an alarming trend towards overweight and obesity in Iowa,” he said.

The contest began last year among the corporate sponsors of the Iowa Games. This year it has grown to include families, community, church and school groups, Allen said.

In January, participants enrolled or weighed in as teams ranging from two to 10 people, said Ruth Litch, ISU Extension representative.

“This creates a support network for individuals,” she said.

There are more than 12,000 Iowans of all ages participating this year. All 99 counties in Iowa are represented in the statewide competition, Allen said.

“The great thing is that it is a two-pronged approach to help participants improve their lifestyle,” she said.

Teams are able to track their progress with their team captain and an online database, Allen said.

A weekly motivational e-mail from the Iowa Department of Public Health that includes tips on physical activity and nutrition is sent to all participants, Litch said.

Participants seem to be enjoying the team-based competition. Teams names include, “A Weigh We Go”; “No More Cheeseburgers in Paradise” and “Sponge Bods, Tight Pants,” Allen said.

A team called “Thong Bound Babes” have even created their own Web site to display their progress.

This group tracks each week by setting new goals and recording their progress. They also share motivational ideas with others, Allen said.

“Participants have poured a lot of energy into this competition,” she said.

The program concludes June 6, but all participants are invited to the Volkswalk competition at the Iowa Games. The top teams in each division will be recognized, Litch said.

“The Iowa Games will recognize outstanding teams with certificates and such, but the most important prize is better health,” Lane said.

For more information on the Lighten Up Iowa campaign check out the Web site at www.lightenupiowa.org.