TOPS Take Off Pounds Sensibly #AR0002 December 31, 2009

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 originally formed 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. Over the years, as more weight management problems such as bulimia and anorexia became widely recognized in medicine, TOPS expanded their scope to include all people with weight problems. They also created an incentive for club members who reach and maintain their weight at their goal level to stay in the club as KOPS (Keeps Off Pounds Sensibly) members -- giving them extra recognition to help encourage other members in the club. Club meetings emphasize nutrition and exercise education focused on supplementing a member's effort to manage their weight. TOPS also has published education material for its members. Membership: TOPS has about 200,000 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: $24 annually in the United States, $30 in Canada Program: New members are required to 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. Programs vary, but all serve to 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 provide additional 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 TOPS retreats, rallies, and recognition days TOPS News membership 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 million from TOPS earnings and members contributions have funded this research. Findings from the program 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. The current TOPS president is Barbara Cady.

Official Website: http://www.americantowns.com/ar/littlerock/events/tops-take-off-pounds-sensibly-ar0002-1-2009-12-10