Expert Advice and Virtual Support
Our goal at TOPS has always been to help you focus on your safe and healthy journey to wellness. Individuals at any weight or size can take small steps to better health, especially with guidance from our TOPS Talks presenters, who have decades of combined experience in a variety of settings including medicine, obesity research and one-on-one patient care. At the conclusion of each presentation, members will have the opportunity to ask direct questions to help support their efforts to better health.
Upcoming TOPS Talks
February’s Bonus TOPS Talk: The Science of Social Fitness and Why It Matters
Join us on February 26 at 1:00 PM (CST) for this month’s second fascinating TOPS Talk with Steve Burke of Grouper as we explore the science behind social fitness. How do our relationships shape our wellness choices? Why is social support so important for long-term health? Steve will break down the research and share insights on how building strong connections can positively impact your well-being.
With experience managing relationships for some of Grouper’s largest market partners, Steve is passionate about helping people find welcoming communities built around shared interests. Even though Grouper is only available in the U.S., all members are encouraged to join this dynamic and informative presentation. His engaging approach makes this a Talk you won’t want to miss!
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! We’ll have the recording ready for you to watch within a week.
March’s TOPS Talk: Finding Your Peace Amid Change
Join us on March 15 at 10:00 AM (CST) for this month’s insightful TOPS Talk with Deanna Bies, TOPS Board member and Vice President. In a world of constant change, we all experience losses, both big and small, that often go unrecognized. From shifts in personal relationships to changes in daily routines, these transitions can carry hidden emotional weight.
Deanna will explore how these subtle losses affect our well-being and lead us through a gentle breathing exercise and guided meditation to help release tension and foster inner peace.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! We’ll have the recording ready for you to watch within a week.
April’s TOPS Talk: Successful Exchange Strategies
Join us on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:00 PM (CST) as we dive into the “exchange way of eating” with retreat director Cynthia Mack. This TOPS Talk will provide practical tools and strategies to help you take ownership of your eating plan!
From "doing the math" to building sustainable habits, we'll explore ways to make the Exchange System work for you—whether you're actively working toward your goal or maintaining your success. It's not about perfection; it's about learning, tracking, repetition and honesty.
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your approach and feel more confident in your choices.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
April’s Bonus TOPS Talk: A TOPS News Recipe in Action
Join us on Wednesday, April 30, at 12:00 PM (CST) as TOPS Nutrition and Fitness Editor Rachel Werner and TOPS President Rick Danforth bring a featured recipe from the upcoming May/June issue of TOPS News to life.
Get an inside look on how to put together Marathon Bento Boxes perfect for travelling, pick up practical tips and see how it all comes together in real time. Whether you're looking for fresh meal ideas or just enjoy watching a recipe take shape, this is a session you won’t want to miss.
Register now to save your spot! If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
May’s TOPS Talk: How Your Microbiome Impacts Health and Weight Loss
Gut health plays a powerful role in how we feel—and how our bodies function. On Friday, May 9 at 12:00 PM (CST), learn how the balance of bacteria in your gut can influence everything from digestion to energy levels.
In this session, you'll explore how gut bacteria can support (or stall) your weight-loss efforts, the difference between helpful and harmful microbes and simple ways to promote a healthier gut microbiome.
Presenter Jana Comer brings both scientific insight and personal experience to the table. She has a Master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and spent years researching bacterial genetics. Jana is also a longtime TOPS member who lost over 100 pounds to reach her goal weight in 2021 and now serves as a TOPS Advocate.
If you can’t join us live, don’t worry! A recording will be available within a week.
TOPS Talks
Stay tuned for more upcoming webinar topics on health, nutrition, fitness, motivation and wellness.
TOPS Talks
June's TOPS Talk: Science or Myth: The Latest on Fat-Burning Supplements
Join us Tuesday, June 3, at 9:30 AM (CT) for an insightful TOPS Talk with TOPS Medical Editor Dr. Vidya Kidambi.
Fat-burning supplements are widely marketed as quick solutions for weight loss, but their effectiveness and safety remain questionable. This talk will explore the science behind commonly used ingredients, examine the risks and regulatory challenges and help distinguish evidence from marketing claims.
Dr. Srividya Kidambi is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of Endocrinology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. A nationally recognized expert in obesity and diabetes care, she also leads the TOPS Obesity and Metabolic Research Center and directs the Comprehensive Weight Loss Program at Froedtert & MCW.
August’s TOPS Talk: Naturally Optimizing Your Mental Health with Vaidehi Patel, ND
Feeling anxious, down or totally stressed out? You’re not alone—and there are natural ways to support your mental health. On Thursday, August 7, at 6 PM (CT), Dr. Vaidehi Patel will break down what’s really going on behind anxiety, depression and stress, and the sneaky habits and lifestyle factors that might be making things worse. Then we’ll dive into simple, science-backed ways to feel better—think better sleep, smarter food choices, movement, mindset shifts and more. These approaches can complement other forms of support you may already be using in your mental health toolkit. It’s all about small changes that make a huge difference in how you feel every day.
Dr. Vaidehi Patel, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor and a member of CONO, OAND and CAND. She holds a Doctor of Naturopathy degree and a background in life sciences. Dr. Patel uses natural therapies to support your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, helping you overcome obstacles and make lasting changes for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
As always, if you can’t make it or want to use this TOPS Talk as a chapter program, the recording will be available for you to watch within a week.
September’s TOPS Talk: Be Kind to Your Mind with Ashley Fizer
Did you know that more people suffer from a mental health disorder than heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and asthma? On September 13, 10 AM (CT), participants will learn all about our beautiful brain, the chemicals that make it run and how we can make simple changes to our everyday routine to be our best selves. We will explore how our mental health is just as important as our physical health when trying to lose weight and will learn some "tips and tricks" that will help participants make lasting changes.
Ashley Fizer, MSW, LCSW, is a mental health therapist specializing in anxiety disorders. She loves helping her clients understand the root of their issues so they can enjoy their life again. Ashley is also a Retreat Director for TOPS and loves helping members find out "what's eating them" so they can get back to their healthy and happy selves. When not working, Ashley enjoys theater, filmmaking and traveling.
Save the Date for July's TOPS Talk
Mark your calendar for our July TOPS Talk: A Fitness Demonstration for All Abilities—happening Saturday, July 19, at 10 AM (CT). Luke Schwendemann, BS, of TripleFit Training LLC in Milwaukee, will guide us through a movement session you can follow from home, no matter your fitness level.
Save the Dates for Summer TOPS Talks
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 3rd, at 9:30 AM (CT) for our next Talk with TOPS Medical Editor Vidya Kidambi, MD, MS. Then, keep the momentum going with a fitness demonstration on Saturday, July 19th, at 10 AM (CT) with Luke Schwendemann, BS, of TripleFit Training LLC in Milwaukee, WI.
More info and registration links will be available soon!
Save the Date for September’s TOPS Talk
Join us on Saturday, September 13, at 10 AM CT for "Be Kind to Your Mind” with Ashley Fizer, MSW, LCSW. More information and registration coming soon!
Save the Dates for Summer TOPS Talks
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, June 3rd, at 9:30 AM (CT) for our next Talk with TOPS Medical Editor Vidya Kidambi, MD, MS. Then, keep the momentum going with a fitness demonstration on Saturday, July 19th, at 10 AM (CT) with Luke Schwendemann, BS, of TripleFit Training LLC in Milwaukee, WI.
More info and registration links will be available soon!
How to Register
The registration link for each talk will be available on the TOPS Talks page located in My TOPS Resources. Please note that only TOPS members will be able to register.
February’s TOPS Talk: Navigating Grief
Grief is a deeply personal journey with no set timeline or "right" way to heal. Join Kentucky TOPS Coordinator Bonnie Rose on Saturday, February 7 at 10 AM CT as she shares her own experience, including how it took her two and a half years to face reality, while offering honest insights into the grieving process. This webinar explores how grief can either leave us bitter or help us grow stronger—and how that choice ultimately lies within each of us.
Bonnie Rose has been a dedicated member of TOPS for 40 years and has maintained her weight loss as a KOPS member for 33 years. She has served as an Area Captain (now called Advocate) for 14 years and currently holds the position of Kentucky TOPS Coordinator, a role she has fulfilled for 16 years. Through her extensive experience in the TOPS organization, Bonnie has supported countless individuals on their weight loss and wellness journeys.
February’s Bonus TOPS Talk: Naturally Strengthening Your Immune System: Stay Healthy This Winter!
Always catching colds in the winter? Cold and flu season doesn’t have to slow you down! Join Dr. Vaidehi Patel, ND, on Thursday, February 19 at 6 PM CT for an empowering and informative webinar on how to naturally support your immune system and stay well through the winter months. Learn simple, practical, evidence-based strategies using nutrition, lifestyle and natural remedies to keep your body strong and resilient all season long.
Vaidehi Patel obtained a Doctor of Naturopathy degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine. Prior to graduating from the naturopathic program, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. She is a registered member in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario (CONO). She is also a member of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors (OAND) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Missed a Talk?
Each recorded session will be placed in the Members Area. Chapters and members may access talks on demand. Please allow two business days after each talk for posting.