Group gives peer support that's
key to weight loss
December 6, 2004
By Darin Fenger
Call Carrie Tidaback a big loser and she'll probably
blush.
That's because Tidaback, who used to really struggle
with weight issues, recently pulled off what most Americans'
would call the near impossible.
"I actually lost weight over Thanksgiving!"
she chirped with pride. "It totally amazed me and
felt so good. I'm planning on doing the same over Christmas."
The local woman stressed that such a healthy accomplishment
never would have been possible a few years ago, back
before she belonged to a club called TOPS (Taking Off
Pounds Sensibly).
"For me it's been an amazing life change,"
Tidaback said. "I've lost 42 pounds, myself. I
still have more to go, but without TOPS I don't think
I would be as successful as I've been. It's really meant
a lot to me."
Leaders with TOPS, which boasts chapters in nearly
every town across the country, say their group is different
than other weight loss organizations because of its
strong emphasis on peer support. They also point to
the fact that members can use any diet that works best
for them, choosing that plan with the help of a doctor.
TOPS also makes a point of beginning each meeting with
something that makes most people cringe — getting
on the scale. But Tidaback, who is the leader of her
particular club, said the weigh-in experience is always
a supportive and loving one — regardless of the
findings.
"We always cheer each other on, regardless of
if it's a few pounds or half a pound," she said.
"Even if people have gained we still support them.
It's 'Good luck next time' and 'We'll go from here.'
”
Seven TOPS clubs currently meet in the Yuma and Wellton
areas. Like their counterparts around the country membership
leans toward older women, but is open to both genders
and all ages. Children are even eligible to join.
Membership is an annual $20 to the national organization.
Local clubs then charge a nominal monthly fee, which
is usually just a few dollars.
For more information on local clubs, go to www.tops.org.
Club meetings are weekly, with most local groups meeting
year-round.
Barbara Bernard, the leader of another local club,
said meetings usually include helpful activities or
guest speakers.
"It's always something related to losing weight
and inspiration," Bernard said. "Last week
we had a nurse from the cardiac unit at the hospital
come and give a program on women and heart disease."
But it's the fellowship, she emphasized, that's the
real highlight of each TOPS meeting.
"Each of us has a reason that causes us to overeat.
In order to overcome those reasons we just share with
each other and give each other support and help,"
Bernard said. "It's also good to face the scale
each week. It really helps you stick with it."
She added that members often keep their membership
to TOPS even after a great deal of weight is kept off.
"The group is where they get the help they need
to maintain their weight. Otherwise you may go back
to your old ways, with no accountability," Bernard
said.
Source:http://sun.yumasun.com
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