NBC's hit weight loss series "The Biggest Loser" is working with MSN to present online "'The Biggest Loser' Million Pound Match-Up," an exciting challenge to America to lose one million pounds during the course of the show's season, beginning with "The Biggest Loser: Couples" premiere on Tuesday, January 1 (8-10 p.m. ET).

For the first time ever in the history of the "The Biggest Loser," teams of two � including a mother and son, husband and wife, best friends, brothers, a divorced couple and former football teammates � will compete against each other rather than individuals, heightening the emotion and tension in the competition. And just like this season's contestants, viewers at home will also be encouraged to team up with a partner to lose weight with "'The Biggest Loser' Million Pound Match-Up," presented by MSN, which helps kick off the fifth season premiere on New Year's Day.

In keeping with the theme of "The Biggest Loser: Couples," The Million Pound Match-Up will offer viewers at home the ability to team up with a partner and build a support system that will help in their quest to lose weight. Participants will be able to sign up for the challenge to lose a million pounds beginning December 18th on BiggestLoser.MSN.com. The full site launches on January 1st and will feature a groundbreaking social networking community. Utilizing technology provided by Microsoft's Windows Live Spaces, viewers will be able to match up with a weight loss partner in their area and discuss their journey in a supportive virtual community.

BiggestLoser.msn.com will also offer exclusive health tips and a sweepstakes from MSN Health & Fitness. The top five teams will win a trip to Los Angeles to attend "The Biggest Loser: Couples" finale and wrap party, and the winning team will win a luxury fitness trip for two plus a personal trainer for each of them for one year. Some contestants who participate in the Million Pound Match-Up will also be spotlighted during NBC's Tuesday night episodes of "The Biggest Loser: Couples."

In addition, there will be a "'Biggest Loser' Million Pound Tour," as MSN and "The Biggest Loser" travel in January and February to five of the fattest cities in America � Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; Miami, FL; Wichita, KS and Mesa, AZ -- to raise awareness, motivate people and encourage participation in the Million Pound Match-Up.

"The Biggest Loser: Couples" is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3Ball Productions. Ben Silverman (NBC's "The Office," "Ugly Betty"), Dave Broome ("A Model Life with Petra Nemcova," "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope"), JD Roth ("Age of Love," "Beauty and the Geek"), Todd A. Nelson ("Unan1mous," "Beauty and the Geek") and Mark Koops ("American Gladiators," "Shear Genius") serve as executive producers.