The top 20 challengers were announced on Saturday for this year's Total Makeover Challenge.
The challenge, presented by Shape Your World Society, is held in three segments.
The first segment, running Jan. 21 to Feb. 25, involved 30 women taking part in the fitness, health and beauty makeover challenge.
At the end of the segment, the public was invited to vote online for their favourite challenger, with public and sponsor voting counting as 50 per cent of the value for choosing the next round of challengers.
The other 50 per cent was based on weight loss, inch loss, program participation, attitude, leadership and other mini challenges.
The group lost a total of almost 319 pounds and 253 inches, and almost 90,000 votes were cast online.
The 20 women selected to proceed to the next segment are: Melinda Normand, Mylene Normandin, Tanis Glen, Tara Dawn Meyer, Donna Villeneuve, Jessie Armstrong, Naomi Hughlett, Kristen Van Santen, Mandira Friesen, Victoria Hansen, Deshanna Loyie, Bonnie Johnstone, Riffat Sheikh, Shannon Koops-Waters, Lindsay Tranter, Nicole Hatt, Lori Nyboer, Diane Palmer, Debbie Foote and Patricia Gratton.
The second segment runs until April 8 followed by online voting and the announcement of the 10 finalists on April 15.
The final segment runs April 9 to May 13, followed by the naming of the winner, who will receive a trip for two to Las Vegas, a one-year gym membership, a boudoir photo shoot and teeth whitening.
Jenny Clough, president of Shape Your World Society, said the challenge has been "absolutely fantastic."
"We have a really amazing group of ladies," she said.
Clough said the participants are not only seeing physical changes, but some of the sessions they have attended – such as a self-esteem workshop – are helping to boost their confidence and personal development.
As well, the group participated in an Amazing Race-style event on Saturday at Highstreet shopping complex, raising funds for the Shape Your World Society and $1,300 for the Abbotsford Food Bank.
For more information on the challenge, click here.