Itasca is about to get some losers. Big losers. The Biggest Loser Resort plans to launch its fourth U.S. outpost this spring in the western suburb. The facility is scheduled to open in May as part of the existing Eaglewood Resort and Spa (the former Nordic Hills Resort), a AAA Four Diamond facility with a

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Itasca is about to get some losers. Big losers.

The Biggest Loser Resort plans to launch its fourth U.S. outpost this spring in the western suburb. The facility is scheduled to open in May as part of the existing Eaglewood Resort and Spa (the former Nordic Hills Resort), a AAA Four Diamond facility with a golf course and 75-foot indoor pool set on 106 acres.

The Biggest Loser Resort licenses its name and models its programs after the long-running NBC show by the same name. The program features overweight contestants who are challenged to take off the pounds with a workout regimen and diet plan. Participants are also faced with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until only the final contestant remains to claim the title of “The Biggest Loser” and a monetary prize.

Starting in 2009, parent company Fitness Ridge Worldwide has opened Biggest Loser Resorts in California, Utah and New York. A good portion of the clientele has come from the Midwest. That’s why the company decided to open its fourth facility in the Chicago area, close to O’Hare Airport.

“This is their first foray into the Midwest,” spokeswoman Iris Shaffer said. “And it’s the first one in a big city.” It’s also the first Biggest Loser Resort to be affiliated with a AAA Four Diamond property.

Biggest Loser Resorts cater to adults of all fitness levels and teens 14 and older. The idea is to provide exercise, healthy nutrition and education to guests during their stay, which lasts a minimum of a week. The resorts’ wellness and weight loss program combines morning hikes and daily fitness classes, including kickboxing, yoga, spinning, biking, water aerobics, among others. Certified personal trainers supervise the activities. Dietitians are on hand to teach better nutrition and chefs serve calorie-conscious spa cuisine.

While Jillian Michaels won’t be yelling at you on the treadmill, the resorts occasionally invite past contestants to give inspirational talks.

All-inclusive week-long packages at the Itasca property are priced at $2,995 a week for single occupancy or $2,595 based on double occupancy. Typical spa treatments –massages, acupuncture and the like –are offered at an additional cost.

Guests at Itasca’s Biggest Loser Resort will stay at the Eaglewood property. An outbuilding is being constructed on the property to include a climbing wall, basketball court and separate dining facility for Biggest Loser guests.

Company officials said partnering with Eaglewood made sense because the facility often hosts business meetings, which can be broadened to include a healthier lifestyle, weight-loss component for participants.

“Expanding into Chicago is a very exciting step for us, and this resort will allow us to continue our expansion into corporate wellness,” said Larry Bond, CEO, Fitness Ridge Worldwide in a statement. “Workforce health care costs are spiralling out of control, and one way to stem these costs is to prevent the chronic and complex diseases linked to being overweight and obese. Companies will now be able to combine traditional corporate training and retreats with a wellness solution that can work within the parameters of their business meeting.”

Advance reservations can be made by calling (877) 825-8878. Visit www.biggestloserresort.com for more info.