This year marks 75 years of Taking Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) for members of the country’s first and oldest nonprofit, weight-loss support group. To mark the event, New Hampshire TOPS is sponsoring a 5K Walk/Run into Weight Loss and Health, on October 22, at Memorial Field in Concord. All walkers and runners are welcome.
“In 2022, TOPS members lost over 250,000 pounds — a quarter of a million pounds! — with all 50 states reporting to the national headquarters,” said Deb Heath, NH/VT state coordinator.
The CDC says that more than 42 percent of US adults are obese, according to medical guidelines.
“Being overweight means more than feeling like you don’t look good in a bathing suit. We know that for people of all ages, being overweight enables diabetes, COPD, acute GERD, and joint dysfunction, among other health problems. To get the upper hand, our event in October is for everyone, not just our members.
“Fall is a good time to take stock of your health and think about moving in a new direction. We will have lots of people there that you can talk to and see if TOPS is a good way for you to make a new start with new friends. Our TOPS chapters are just groups of local people — maybe your neighbors — who are working to manage their weight and will support you to do the same,” says Heath.
She continues, “You can choose your own tools to reach your goals. Maybe you are thinking about trying a specific eating program. We will show you the TOPS printed and online resources to help you manage your nutrition and weight. We offer group support for individual needs and we don’t tell you how much weight to lose; that’s you and your doctor’s decision.”
Currently, New Hampshire has eight local chapters, but groups of four or more can start a new chapter in other locations, and we will help you get started. The state and national offices have a lot of material for this, so you are not doing it alone. One of the really great things about TOPS is the accountability for members at both the chapter and state levels.
We are not judgy, but we will recognize your efforts. You might find yourself being celebrated as your chapter’s best loser for the week/month/quarter or crowned the NH TOPS State Queen for the year at State Recognition Day, but you will definitely find support and friends to encourage you toward your goal.
To learn more about TOPS or to register for the 5K TOPS Walk/Run into Weight Loss and Health, October 22, 9 AM, at Memorial Field, South Fruit Street, Concord, please contact Deb Heath at Tops.vtt.nh@nullgmail.com or call 603 851-1439.