Around 17% to 21% of Americans made losing weight their 2026 New Year’s resolution, but by January 9, many of them had already abandoned their goals. Typically the second Friday in January, Quitter’s Day was coined from fitness app data and is the unofficial day when many people resign from pursuing their weight loss resolution. Perhaps some of these “quitters” could have kept going had they had a network of resources and the fellowship of others who were tackling the same goal.
For more than 75 years, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) has helped millions of people to take off and keep off pounds. Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., TOPS promotes successful weight management with a philosophy that combines healthy eating, regular exercise, wellness education and support from fellow members. According to the organization’s website, the non-profit, non-commercial network of weight-loss support and wellness education groups is all about doing things by the book. “We have strong ties to the medical community and believe in healthy living from the inside out. It’s a holistic approach to wellness. No fad diets. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. With us, it all comes down to accountability, unwavering support and top-tier resources.” Included in those resources are retreats, both in person and through the world wide web, as well as other helpful tips and information through their website and regular chapter meetings.
TOPS was the brainchild of housewife Esther S. Manz. Manz was pregnant with her fifth child and participating in group sessions designed to prepare women for childbirth where she witnessed the power of mutual support in helping women stay within their doctors’ guidelines for pregnancy. She contemplated a weight loss group with a similar philosophy and discussed it with her doctor who encouraged her to follow through with the idea. Championing weight loss support and success, TOPS grew to about 2,500 members in six states by 1951. Manz’s story appeared in LIFE magazine in April that year, and by the year’s end there were chapters in every state and a total membership of over 6,000. By 1955, TOPS had gone international and had given birth to KOPS. (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly)
Tumbleweed TOPS Chapter #278 was organized locally in November of 1967 with 19 charter members. Weekly meetings and weigh-ins were integral to the program. Tips for counting calories, meal plans, activities, guest speakers, and encouragement were keys to its success. Members were rewarded when they lost weight for consecutive periods of time: for example, four weeks of consecutive weight loss earned a charm, 10 weeks earned a bracelet and 12 weeks earned a necklace. Likewise, minimal fines were paid by those who gained weight. In the early years of the organization, the member who gained the most during the week would have a mandatory (but good-natured) penalty imposed such as wearing a “Porky” pig lapel pin for a week. In time, chapters were discouraged from this practice as national leaders felt it hurt the organization’s image and could be embarrassing or misconstrued as demeaning.
Bringing women together with the common cause of losing weight, TOPS created a camaraderie between its members. Contests, picnics, rallies, and coronations were all part of local chapter happenings. Members attended themed State Recognition Days and conventions and met with other TOPS chapters in the area for fun and fellowship. TOPS proved that working together to lose weight could be fun.
Unfortunately, the local TOPS chapter decided to call it quits in 2020 mainly due to the looming threat of Covid-19. According to the late Geneva Williams, a charter member, the seven remaining members were also getting older and getting out and about was becoming difficult for them.
Williams received a 50-year certificate from the national office in 2017. She made many great memories (as well as dresses for Recognition Days) through the years. “The best thing about TOPS was the camaraderie. We always had a good time,” Williams said. Her favorite memory was when Lakin’s Mildred Yager was crowned queen of Kansas for losing the most overall weight in the state.
Williams donated scrapbooks, minutes and other artifacts from the local TOPS chapter to the museum before her passing. These will be put on display when the clubs and organizations section is revised and re-opened to the public.
SOURCES: TOPS website, Museum archives and archives of The Lakin Independent.