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 Mission
Statement:
TOPS’ mission is to support our members as they
take and keep off pounds sensibly.
About
Us:
TOPS Club, Inc. is a nonprofit, noncommercial,
weight-loss support organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA,
with chapters located worldwide. Its two-fold objective is to encourage
healthy lifestyles through weight-management support groups and to
sponsor obesity research. Most members refer to the organization simply
as "TOPS,” an acronym for "Take Off Pounds Sensibly.”
TOPS was founded in 1948 by Esther Manz, as a
response to the need to assist overweight and obese people lose weight
by setting up a support group system. Recognition, accountability and
physician support remain key elements. An incentive for chapter members
who reach and maintain goal weights set by their doctors is
acknowledgement as KOPS (Keeps Off Pounds Sensibly) members.This
is one of the most challenging parts of successful weight management.
TOPS publishes education material to help its members understand the
dynamics of behavior change, good nutrition, increased activity aimed at
developing a healthy new lifestyle. Local chapter meetings incorporate
all of these elements on a weekly basis.
Membership:
TOPS has about 170,000 members in nearly 10,000
chapters in the United States, Canada, and
numerous other countries throughout the world. Membership includes
women, men, and children.
Membership Fees:
Dues are $26 annually in the
United States, and $30 in Canada, plus nominal chapter fees
to cover operating costs—on average, less than $5 per month.
Program:
New members should consult with their physician
to obtain a goal weight for themselves, and then report it to their
chapter Weight Recorder. Members meet weekly in their local chapters. A
private weigh-in is followed by a program on a wide variety of topics
pertaining to the weight-loss journey and healthy lifestyle. Meetings
provide members with positive reinforcement and motivation in adhering
to their food and exercise plans. Chapters elect their volunteer Leaders
from their membership.
Other
Features:
• A system of competition and recognition to
award success, effort and support
• TOPS’ healthy lifestyle guide,
The
Choice Is Mine, containing details
about the exchange system for meal planning, as well as motivational
tips and practical advice and companion workbook
• TOPS retreats, rallies, and recognition days
• TOPS
News, the member magazine included in TOPS’ annual membership fee
Medically-Oriented Activities:
TOPS’ financial support of medically-oriented
activities began in 1966 with the funding of an obesity and metabolic
research program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. To
date, more than 6.5 million dollars from TOPS’ earnings and members’
contributions have funded this research. Findings from these studies
have been published in more than 140 papers in medical journals.
Volunteer TOPS members are currently part of a landmark research project
overseen by Dr. Ahmed Kissebah, medical advisor to TOPS Club, Inc.
Organization:
A network of professional Field Staff guides
TOPS’ volunteer chapter Leaders. A nine-member Board of Directors
administers TOPS internationally.
International Headquarters:
4575 South Fifth Street
PO Box 070360
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0360
414.482.4620
topsinteractive@tops.org
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