TOPS Club, Inc. (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly)
Approach/Method: TOPS is an international
non-profit, non-commercial weight-loss support group.
Members obtain an exercise and food plan and a goal weight
from their personal physicians. TOPS then provides a
supportive environment in which you can make the slow,
steady, permanent lifestyle changes necessary to reach and
maintain your personal goals.
Clients/Staff: Chapters are run locally by members
who elect a volunteer leader. Each chapter varies in its
approach according to the needs of its members, but all
chapters address the complex issues involved in weight-loss
efforts. Chapters frequently invite health professionals to
speak at their chapter meetings. Chapters are supported by
trained field staff. Headquarters provides educational
materials and a monthly magazine. A strong incentive plan
with awards and recognition are woven into the program at
all levels. Activities include special rallies, workshops
and recognition days, as well as low-cost week-long
retreats.
Expected Weight Loss/Length of Program: TOPS
recognizes that each person has different hopes and dreams,
different health conditions and weight-loss goals. TOPS
helps people meet their individual needs through group
support. There is no set timetable for reaching a goal. When
a person is ready, it will happen. Once a weight goal is
achieved, the focus changes to maintaining that goal.TOPS
has programs and addresses issues that will help you
maintain a healthy lifestyle. Members are invited and
encouraged to remain a part of TOPS as long as they need the
support. People that have achieved their goal are an
integral part of helping other TOPS members achieve their
goals, as well. Helping others in this way can be very
satisfying. TOPS members who have reached and maintained
goal weight are called KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) and
are honored accordingly.
Cost: TOPS is run by a nine-member board of
directors. A medical advisor provides
consultations. Annual membership is $20 in the United States
and $25 in Canada. This includes the monthly magazine. Local
chapters also charge a small weekly fee, usually
no more than $5 a month.
Availability: Almost 300,000 members meet weekly in
11,700 meetings in the United States, Canada, and military
bases around the world.
Headquarters: Milwaukee, WI.
For more information about local chapters, call
toll-free 1-800-932-8677 or visit TOPS at their Web site:
http://www.tops.org
Information supplied by the TOPS Club, Inc.
