Fad diets for weight loss may lead to temporary success, but the model of TOPS is to Take Off Pounds Sensibly through accountability, support and encouragement.

“TOPS is not about diets or selling a food plan,” notes the TOPS.org website. “It’s about giving people the support and tools they need to make lasting lifestyle changes that make sense for them.” Members choose the changes that work for them on their timetable, knowing that small, sensible changes lead to big results.

Barton County has two TOPS chapters. One meets at 4:30 p.m. Mondays at the Claflin Independent Township Library and the other meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend. (Use the west doors.)

TOPS weight-loss support offers weekly meetings that start with a private weigh-in, followed by a short program. The Great Bend group is participating Walk Kansas and in nice weather the members plan to use most of the hour-long meeting time by going on a walk together for the next few weeks, President Dee Campbell said.

Other programs have been based on articles from the monthly TOPS magazine. Members also share challenges, successes or goals, if they want. 

“It’s nice to be able to have a group of friends you can vent your problems to and know you’re not the only one,” Campbell said.

For more information, contact TOPS Area Coordinator Beverly A. Bednasek via email at bednasek@networksplus.net.