TOPS Club

TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is a non-profit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization established in 1948. The organization was founded by Esther Manz in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as a response to the need for a supportive approach to controlling weight. TOPS Club offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with its primary focus on support from others at weekly chapter meetings.

History

The inception of TOPS Club, Inc. dates back to 1948 when Esther Manz, a homemaker from Milwaukee, recognized the necessity for a group that would support individuals looking to lose weight. Manz believed in the power of group support, coupled with healthy eating and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain weight loss. The first meeting of what would become TOPS Club was held in Manz's home with a few friends, and it has since grown into an international organization with thousands of chapters across the United States and Canada.

Philosophy

TOPS Club operates on the philosophy that the best way to lose and maintain weight is through education, mutual support, and consistent encouragement from peers facing similar challenges. The organization does not prescribe specific diets but encourages members to follow individualized healthy eating plans as recommended by their healthcare providers. The emphasis is on making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than relying on quick fixes.

Meetings

Weekly meetings are at the core of the TOPS experience. These meetings are held at the local chapter level and provide a forum for members to share successes, challenges, and tips. Each meeting includes a private weigh-in, followed by a discussion or program that focuses on health, nutrition, fitness, or wellness. Recognition is an important part of the meetings, with members celebrating weight-loss milestones and other achievements.

Programs and Resources

TOPS Club offers a variety of resources to its members, including:

• The Real Life: The Hands-on Pounds-off Guide: A guidebook that provides practical advice on nutrition, exercise, and motivation.
• My Day One: A starter booklet for new members that outlines the TOPS weight-loss approach.
• Online tools and resources, including meal planning and tracking tools.

Membership

Membership in TOPS Club is open to anyone interested in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. The organization offers both adult and junior memberships, with special programs tailored to each group. Annual dues are required, but the cost is kept low to ensure accessibility for all who wish to join.

Impact

TOPS Club has helped thousands of individuals achieve their weight-loss goals. The organization prides itself on its supportive community and the success stories of its members. Many members have maintained their weight loss for years, attributing their success to the ongoing support and education they receive from TOPS.

See Also

• Weight loss
• Wellness
• Nutrition
• Physical exercise