Steamboat Springs — New weight loss kiosks have been installed at the Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association offices in Steamboat Springs and Craig.

The kiosks are free to use and allow community members to weigh themselves and potentially earn cash incentives for meeting weight loss goals. The kiosks also can measure body mass index and take a full-length photo to help show participants progress. The kiosks are part of the Weigh and Win program, which promotes healthy living.

“I think this is important for Coloradans because it’s a free resource,” said Kaytee Long, health promotion manager for Weigh and Win. “It reaches people on any level and provides them with education. Our goal is to really affect the obesity problem.”

The Weigh and Win kiosks were awarded to the VNA through a grant program with Weigh and Win, which is primarily funded by Kaiser Permanente.

The VNA applied for the grant in November and Weigh and Win announced its winners earlier this month. The kiosk is up and running in the lobbies of the VNA in Steamboat Springs and Craig.

The kiosks are two of 56 across the state, and are part of Kaiser Permanente’s efforts to increase healthy eating and physical activity for Coloradans.

The program provides fitness plans, weekly grocery lists and access to health coaches and meal plans.

Those who start the program with a BMI of 25 or greater are eligible to win cash incentives for lowering their weight.

Since it began in 2011, the program has attracted thousands of participants.

“We’ve had countless success stories,” Long said.

During the holidays, Weigh and Win challenged Coloradans to “maintain, not gain” their weight, asking participants to weigh in before and after the holidays with a goal of maintaining or lowering their weight during the time.

More that 3,000 participants across the state took the challenge, and about half were able to maintain their weight, earning a $15 gift card, Long said.

The Steamboat kiosk is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the VNA, 940 Central Park Drive, Suite 101. Craig residents who want to participate can go to the kiosk at the Craig VNA, 745 Russell St.

Participants weigh in quarterly at the kiosk and between weigh-ins can receive daily emails or texts with tips on healthy eating, exercise and overcoming weight loss barriers.

Participants can join the program by visiting the kiosk, or enroll at http://www.weighandwin.com or by texting “JOIN” to 303-500-1702.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow