RALEIGH — Robesonians looking to lose some weight and gain some fame might want to audition for a spot on the popular television series “The Biggest Loser.”

The popular television show will hold a search for new contestants on Saturday at the Rex Wellness Center at 6602 Knightdale Blvd. in Raleigh from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city was chosen as a location after fans of the show voted for it in a poll.

According to Holland Weathers, casting director for the show, bigger is better.

“We are looking for individuals that have more than 85 pounds to lose and that are older than 18,” Weathers said. “We are trying to find likable, deserving people that our audience will want to root for. We want the audience to be able to connect with the contestants. If an individual has the weight to lose and is ready to change their life, then we are looking for them.”

But fat isn’t all that needs to be burning for potential contestants — so must their desire for a serious life change.

“This is going to be one of the hardest things they have ever done in their life, if not the hardest,” Weathers said. “They need to be ready to fight for their lives because at the end of the day, that is exactly what they are doing.”

The show features contestants who undergo major lifestyle changes in order to shed pounds. Around 60 percent of past contestants stay within a 25-pound weight range of their final weigh-in once leaving the show.

Season nine winner, Michael Ventrella, lost 264 pounds during about an eighth-month period.

Robeson County was recently ranked No. 1 in the state in obesity, with about 41 percent of adults who are obese.