TOPS ® QUICK FACTS
TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the short name for TOPS Club, Inc. TOPS is the original nonprofit, noncommercial network of weight-loss support groups. TOPS offers tools and programs for healthy living and weight management, with exceptional group fellowship and recognition.
Membership: Over 200,000 members, (women, men, children) make up more than 10,000 chapters worldwide. Dues are $24 annually in the US , and $30 in Canada , plus nominal chapter fees to cover operating costs. (Fees vary from $.50 to $4 weekly).
Mission : TOPS mission is to support our members as they take and keep off pounds sensibly.
How it works: Weekly meetings include private weigh-ins and professionally prepared, informational chapter programs, featuring up-to-date information on nutrition, exercise and healthy lifestyles. Programs provide positive reinforcement and motivation to adhere to food and exercise programs.
KOPS: When a member reaches their weight loss goal, they are called KOPS, members who are maintaining their weight and continue to attend meetings for accountability and support as they, Keep Off Pounds Sensibly .
Features: TOPS Club, Inc. offers members The Choice is Mine a 200-plus page practical lifestyle guide featuring nutrition, fitness, menu planning (including recipes!) and healthy living information. Members receive a four-color monthly membership magazine, filled with inspirational stories and news. TOPS provides educational brochures to health care professionals and anyone interested in changing their lifestyle.
Experts: TOPS has experts in the field of medical research, nutrition, fitness, and psychology. Since 1966, TOPS has funded an obesity and metabolic research program at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee . TOPS supports ongoing research, and to date, $6.1 million from TOPS earnings and member contributions have helped fund research.
Fabulous Figures: In 2004, TOPS members lost 487.65 TONS! U.S. members lost 788,889.65 pounds; TOPS Canadian members lost 185,968.25 pounds; TOPS international members lost 449.8 pounds for a grand total of 975,307.7 pounds!
Operations: TOPS was founded in 1948 by Milwaukee homemaker Esther Manz. A nine-member Board of Directors administers TOPS. A field staff of 400-plus Area Captains, 139 Coordinators, and 13 Regional Directors assist skilled, volunteer Chapter Leaders. TOPS Ambassadors are weight-loss experts who have achieved and maintain their goal weight. They represent TOPS across the country and the world, at conferences, seminars and events.
International Headquarters: 4575 S. Fifth St. Milwaukee , WI 53207-0360 . 1-800-932-8677 or Visit us on the web: www.tops.org (Click on Chapter Locator to find a chapter near you!)
PI-009B (Rev. 11/05) Litho in U.S.A.
