TOPS is an acronym that stands for ‘Take Off Pound Sensibly.’ Since 1948, TOPS has offered a healthy, caring and supportive approach to weight loss. Unlike most diet organizations, TOPS is a non-profit organization. It is the oldest one in existence. It was founded by Esther Manz. Today a nine-member board administers TOPS. There are over 10,000 TOPS chapters worldwide boasting more than 200,000 members. The average loss per chapter in 2004 was 102.8 pounds. The TOPS organization holds to a philosophy that an individual’s desire to change comes from within that individual and the most effective way to sustain that is to offer a supporting environment. Since 1966, TOPS has been a major supporter of obesity and metabolic research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Currently, over five million dollars has been donated through TOPS from earnings and member contributions. For more information about TOPS, visit their website at: http://www.tops.org/ Taking off pounds sensibly and with a good support group is key to maintaining a healthy weight. Many diseases may be avoided by keeping your weight within the parameters of what is healthy for you. Before starting any weight loss program you should visit your physician and have a physical exam. Your physician may give you suggestions at to what foods you should avoid or eliminate to help with weight loss.