Are you having trouble walking up a flight of stairs without losing your breath? Are you becoming too friendly with the snack aisle at Kroger? Is your closet packed with clothes that no longer fit you? Do you have a family member in the same boat? Are you and said family member interested in losing that weight in front of millions of TV viewers and have your flabby self scrutinized in public?

NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Families” wants you. And they’re coming to Atlanta Saturday to eyeball you face to face.

There’s a financial incentive, of course, too: $250,000 for the victors. Winners (or “biggest losers,” as they are dubbed) often shed 40 to 50 percent of their body weight over just four months.

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The show is seeking combos such as parent/child, siblings, husband/wife, couples and in-laws.

NBC also needs you to be competitive and outgoing. Shyness is not tolerated on reality TV!

“Stories are important but character and personality are the biggest things that will get you on the show,” said casting director Ian Young. “You have to show all sides of you. The hardships. What’s it like carrying those extra pounds. Open up to us. Share with us your struggles, your hopes, your dreams.”

Go to Dave & Busters in Duluth at 4000 Venture Dr. from 10 a.m. to 6 on Saturday July 11. And get some ribs! (Or not.)

Please do not line up before 7 a.m. The producers say they should be able to get to the first 500 people. (700 people showed up Tampa, another 500 in Detroit.) You can also audition by yourself— they can potentially use you for the regular “Biggest Loser” edition down the road.

If you can’t go, you can still try out via www.thebiggestlosercasting.com You can fill out the application and shoot a 10-minute video. From the site:

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR 10-MINUTE VIDEOTAPE:

First and foremost, we want to see your PERSONALITIES and how you get along with your partner! Have fun with the tape. Be original. Show us why you should be on The Biggest Loser. Make your video as personal as possible. Start with your name(s), age(s), hometown(s), height(s) and weight(s). Show us how weight affects your life in every aspect. Show us and tell us why you and your partner want to lose the weight. If possible, Include photos on the tape of you growing up. Please do not edit the tape. *If you are unable to make a tape with your the partner, you may send us separate tapes.

Tape submissions must be postmarked by August 7th

And if you think you have an exceptional story that might merit “VIP” consideration, email young.casting@gmail.com

Seven seasons have aired and the show has done very well for NBC, even this spring against “American Idol,” usually drawing around 8 million viewers. The eighth season debuts Sept. 15. The show is now casting for season nine, which is set to air in the winter/spring of 2010.

I can’t recall any Atlantans who have gotten very far on the show. Does anybody know of any?