TOPS: A no gimmicks approach to weight loss

MARY LOU MONTGOMERY

For more than 50 years, the TOPS organization has played an integral role in helping people in the Hannibal area achieve and maintain their weight-loss goals.

TOPS is an acronym for “Take Off Pounds Sensibly,” and the local chapter exists to help people with that goal.

There are no gimmicks or dictated diets to follow, according to Mary Curry, the local facilitator. Instead, members help each other by offering moral support, “to help you find answers and have accountability.”

One means of accountability is a weekly weigh in. “It is scary,” Mary said. “If you have to lose weight, it is hard to get on the scale and face it every week.” Members are not required to weigh in, “but there’s accountability. Most do choose to weigh in, and whether there is a gain or a loss, we’re here to support you.

“Slow, steady weight losses add up over time. A small loss is still a victory,” she said.

Also, “when we have the gains and setbacks, we have support from other members. That does make a difference.

“We’ve all been there,” she said.

TOPS is actually divided into two sections:

TOPS is “Take Off Pounds Sensibly.”

KOPS, or Keep Off Pounds Sensibly, is for people who have attained their weight goal, and are working to maintain that goal weight.

Based upon the realization that emotions can be an eating trigger for those trying to lose weight, one of the organization’s pledges is “not let emotions control me.”

In addition, “Our chapter is not strictly for weight loss,” Mary said. Members offer support to others when they go through life’s rough patches. “I lost my mother,” Mary said, and fellow TOPS members were there to offer compassion.

“Sometimes you just need a hug.”

Whether the scale tips over or under the desired goal, “We are never there to judge.”

The organization’s longest-term participant is Anna Umfleet, a member of 32 years. She is a member of KOPS.

“A couple of our ladies have been friends for 30 odd years,” Mary said.  “Friendships bloom. Sometimes coworkers come; we have a husband and wife who come. I have strong friendships; we do activities outside of TOPS, like walking on the track together, and water aerobics.”

The Hannibal chapter meets each Thursday at the Calvary Baptist Church, 4605 West Ely Road, Hannibal, Mo., Room 182. There is a year membership fee to join the national organization, but the local chapter dues are just $5 a month. 

The biggest looser of the week wins a dollar.

The biggest looser of month gets dues free for the month. “It is something fun we do. Sometimes you need that motivation, it helps.”

Weighin is 5-5:30 and the meeting is 5:30 to 6. “We ask people to keep a food log if they are there to lose weight, writing down what you put in your mouth. Those who are KOPS, they are very diligent at keeping food logs. It is the key to losing weight and keeping it off.”

The meetings are open to the public. “Check out a meeting,” Mary said. “See if you like it, then come back a second time. “Newcomers receive introductory packets, so they don’t leave empty handed. They can start their journey with us.

“A lot of doctors don’t know about TOPS,” Mary said. “We asked our members to take pamphlets to their doctors.”

“We’ve been around a long time, but people don’t know about us.”

The local facilitator can be reached via email at mshoemate1@yahoo.com