Our Area Chapters
ABOUT TOPS
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4 interested people, an accurate scale and a place to meet is all that is needed to start a new chapter!
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. 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 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:
Membership is $30 annually in Canada (Spouses & Teens are half price), plus nominal chapter fees to cover operating costs – on average, less than $7 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. 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.
International Headquarters:
4575 South Fifth Street
PO Box 070360
Milwaukee, WI 53207-0360
414.482.4620
topsinteractive@tops.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TOPS
1. What is TOPS?
TOPS Club, Inc. is a nonprofit, weight-loss education and support organization. Our members refer to us simply as TOPS, which is an acronym for Take Off Pounds Sensibly. We focus on developing
healthy lifestyles through weight management and sponsor research aimed at finding the root cause and effective treatment of the disease of obesity. For more details, click here.
2. Who can join TOPS?
Virtually everyone is welcome. TOPS is available to men, women and
children from age 7 to 100+.
3. Can I visit a TOPS meeting before I decide to join?
Yes. Visitors are always welcome. The
first TOPS chapter meeting is free of charge.
4. Do TOPS members actually achieve weight-loss success?
Yes. We have thousands of
successful members. For some examples of the success that is possible through TOPS membership, go to the TOPS homepage and click on “Our Successes” – or click here.
5. How do I find a TOPS chapter meeting that is convenient for me?
There are two ways to
locate a TOPS chapter meeting:
- Go to the TOPS homepage and click on “Find a Chapter” then enter your zip or postal code – or click here.
- Call TOPS Headquarters at 800-932-8677 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM CST (for chapter meeting locations/times only).
6. How do I join TOPS?
You may join TOPS as an Online Member through our TOPS Store. You will begin receiving TOPS News (our membership magazine, published nine times each year) and have access to
the "member" areas of our website immediately. Be sure to print out your receipt. You may eventually choose to join a local chapter to take advantage of the accountability of a weekly weigh-in
and receive face-to-face support – when you do, simply turn the receipt in when you weigh in at the TOPS chapter you have selected to join and they will enroll you in the chapter. You can also wait
until you find a local chapter and pay the fee at the time you join the chapter.
7. I belong to another organization (gym, weight-loss facility, etc.) – is it permissible to belong to TOPS,
too?
Yes. TOPS provides a supportive, encouraging and caring environment and knows that many people need additional assistance with the difficult challenge of weight management.
8. What makes TOPS different from other weight-loss organizations?
TOPS helps our members make
changes that promote good health and last a lifetime – not for just a few short weeks – in behaviors, attitudes, exercise and eating. We sell no food products and accept no advertising from
commercial companies. We empower volunteers who share similar weight issues to help each other with supportive materials and educational tools.
9. Is there someone I can talk with about TOPS membership?
Yes. The Field Staff in your area
are well-suited to address any questions or concerns you might have about TOPS. You do not have to be a member to contact them. Click on “Find a Chapter” on the TOPS homepage – or
click here – then enter your zip or postal code. When your local chapter listings appear, you will notice the names,
email addresses and telephone numbers of the Coordinator (Carol Harper) and Area Captain (Rhonda Chevalier).
These TOPS Field Staff are happy to help you. Feel free to contact them. You may also feel free to talk with TOPS members and chapter officers at your free visit to a TOPS chapter.
10. What does TOPS do for me after I lose weight?
TOPS has a robust recognition program to
reward and honor people for maintaining weight through time.
11. How much does it cost to become a TOPS member?
TOPS is very affordable. The annual adult
membership fee is only $30 in Canada. Local chapters charge weekly fees that range from $0.50 to $2.00.
12. What do I get with my annual TOPS membership?
As a TOPS member, you have full acccess to all areas of the TOPS website; the My Day One booklet which features a six-week, ready-set-go plan to get you started in taking off pounds sensibly; a one year subscription TOPS News, our membership magazine that is published nine times per year, sharing inspirational stories, healthy tips, and helpful advice; and membership in a local chapter of your choice for weekly weigh-ins and support.
13. Where does my TOPS membership fee go?
The bulk of your membership fee is used to
develop and provide the best educational materials and support for you in your weight-loss journey - a substantial portion of this fee pays for your annual subscription to TOPS News
, our membership magazine. After this mission, a small percentage is devoted to seeking a safe treatment and, hopefully, a cure for obesity.
14. Is it possible to join TOPS as an online member and not attend chapter meetings?
Yes. You will receive many of the same materials and website access as chapter members. TOPS is best known for our supportive, educational chapter environment and recognition efforts – you will
be missing this personal touch. The good news is that online memberships are fully transferable to chapter membership.
15. How do I start my own TOPS chapter?
Please contact your local Field Staff. The
Field Staff in your area are the best people with whom to address any interest in starting your own TOPS chapter – all it takes is a minimum of four interested people to begin. To contact your Field
Staff, click on “Find a Chapter” on the TOPS homepage – or click here – then enter your zip or postal code. When
your area listings appear, you will notice the names, email addresses and telephone numbers of the Coordinator (Carol Harper) and Area Captain (Rhonda Chevalier). These are the members of TOPS Field Staff who can help you. Feel free to contact them.
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