That’s the TOPS

Writer / Amy Lant-Wenger

Wilma Graves is a soft-spoken soul who laughs easily and has a generous spirit. She is a devoted volunteer for a number of worthwhile causes, and as she chats and reminisces, there always seems to be a smile on her face.

She does have a great deal to be joyful about these days. Graves, a resident of Rochester, has dedicated herself to healthier, more vibrant living, and the results of her mission have been extraordinary. She has been a member of the organization known as TOPS, which stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, for the past several years.

Through her commitment to the program, and bolstered by the fellowship of her friends in the club, she dropped nearly 150 pounds, which was the highest margin of weight shed by a female in the state for the year 2022 according to the TOPS organization. This achievement led to Graves being christened the Indiana Queen. And perhaps just as astonishing as the goal she was able to reach, she has also managed to stay within range of her targeted weight ever since.

TOPS emphasizes changing habits, as well as moderation over restrictions and rules. Founded in 1948, TOPS has a network of devotees that stretches across North America, and thousands upon thousands of success stories from both men and women, some as young as 7 years old, and well into adulthood.

Indiana TOPS members were able to log an astonishing 6,827 pounds of lost weight in 2022. The key components to this kind of milestone stem from the club’s methodology in offering wellness education, weekly meetings and peer support, and adjusting the mindset and attitudes about food.

“We are tremendously proud of our TOPS members’ weight-loss accomplishments,” said TOPS President Rick Danforth. “Through their TOPS membership, these individuals are able to celebrate their own life-altering accomplishments, as well as other members and those that have come before them. By continuing their commitment to personal lifestyle changes, a hallmark of TOPS winning formula, TOPS members utilize the tools they are given and the assistance from their peers to achieve their weight-loss goals.”

Danforth can absolutely be considered an authority on the TOPS program. He himself has been a 20-year participant, having lost and kept off 100 pounds along the journey.

The prospect of weight loss can be a daunting one, particularly in a world where convenience and processed food is at an all-time high. Currently, approximately 42% of American adults are considered obese, with Indiana’s rate standing at 36.3%. Being significantly overweight can trigger a host of health issues including diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer.

So what was the impetus for Graves to chart her own healthier future? She wanted to feel better, of course. But one day, she recalls, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in a storefront window, and she no longer recognized what she’d become.

That was the day, she said, that she declared, “I’ve got to do something.” She attended her first meeting, but not without some initial trepidation.

“I’m not a brave person and I don’t like to do things by myself,” she said. “I was shaking like a leaf.” Soon, however, the group of members welcomed her with open arms, and the new chapter of Graves’ story began.

It was there that Graves learned about keeping a food journal. She discovered that portion control is a helpful tool. She modified her daily menu to include three meals a day and two snacks. She does drastically alter her intake of breads, pastas and potatoes, and enjoys meals that accent proteins and salads. “It’s not a diet,” Graves said, noting that each individual will take on an approach best suited for him or her. “It’s trial and error. Everything in moderation.”

While Graves doesn’t have a particular exercise regimen that she follows, she would like to begin walking sometime soon. She’s waiting for a prospective surgery to repair knee damage, but she’s excited for the possibility of being outdoors.

TOPS members can join for in-person meetings or through online sessions. Folks can work through challenges, receive advice from guest speakers, receive motivation through incentive programs, and triumph together.

Membership is $49 annually at the national franchise level, with additional nominal local fees. For more details, call 800-932-8677 or visit tops.org.