The Commercial Appeal is preparing a story about the popluarity of weight loss contests. At work, the gym, the health clinic or even in places of worship, Mid-Southerners are squaring off to see you can drop pounds the fastest.

We are collecting reader stories about the strategy. In your experience, does it fuel healthy competition or lead to fad diets and furtive snacking in stairwells?

Send your stories and comments to powers@commercialappeal.com.