Millsboro woman earns TOPS recognition

TOPS Club Inc. recently announced individuals from each state who, at the end of 2022, officially recorded the largest weight loss from their starting weight, regardless of the time taken to reach their goal. TOPS, aka Take Off Pounds Sensibly, is a nonprofit weight-loss support organization.

Gloria Gibbs of Millsboro, who lost 44.4 pounds, is the 2022 Delaware Queen. She was honored April 13-15 at a state recognition event held in Ocean City, Md.

TOPS provides an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness. Consistent group support, health education and recognition are all key components to successful weight management. Delaware has an adult obesity rate of 33.9%. During 2022, TOPS members in Delaware lost a cumulative 535 pounds.

“We are tremendously proud of our TOPS members’ weight-loss accomplishments,” said TOPS President Rick Danforth, who has maintained a 100-pound weight loss for nearly 20 years. “Through their TOPS membership, these individuals are able to celebrate their own life-altering accomplishments, as well as those of 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.”

Weekly meetings are the heart of TOPS support, whether they are held in person or online. In-person meetings start with an optional weigh-in, with members then sharing challenges, successes or goals, followed by a brief program covering a variety of health and wellness topics. Meetings may conclude with awards and recognition for the week. Visitors can attend their first TOPS in-person meeting free of charge and are encouraged to try more than one chapter, since they’re all a little different.

For online membership, meetings are conducted via Zoom and are offered at least five times during the week. The meeting starts with members disclosing challenges, successes or goals. Next, the online facilitator presents a prepared program and sometimes includes guest speakers who share their expert views on fitness, nutrition and more. Meetings conclude with action steps related to the program presented.

Membership starts at $49 per year, plus nominal monthly chapter fees. For more information, go to tops.org or call 800-932-8677.