Losing weight can seem intimidating, especially when you consider that 1 in 3 American adults are obese and Louisiana has an obesity rate of 40.1%, the second highest in the country. Obesity can cause an array of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. People can achieve weight loss and overall wellness by committing to a healthier lifestyle.
For instance, Gloria Pintado of Pierre Part lost 71 pounds through the non-profit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non–commercial weight loss, education, and support organization. As a result of her weight loss, Gloria was named the 2023 TOPS Louisiana Queen, meaning she lost more weight than any other female TOPS member in the entire state and reached her goal weight.
In 2023, Louisiana TOPS members lost a total of 7,591 pounds. Gloria attributes her weight loss success to the support she received from her fellow TOPS members, along with portion control and regular exercise. I have attached a personal narrative, before and after photos, and a TOPS news release. Information is also attached on Don Brown of Opelousas, the 2023 TOPS Louisiana King. Don passed away on January 24, 2024.
In the hopes of helping others, Gloria is willing to share her story. I’d like to speak with you about arranging an interview with Gloria for a personal health or human-interest story that I believe your audience would find informational and inspiring.
TOPS is not a diet. It is a lifestyle change for a lifetime. TOPS has been fighting obesity since its founding in 1948. TOPS has tens of thousands of members – male and female, age seven and older – in its network of thousands of weight-loss support chapters throughout the United States and Canada. According to a fall 2023 survey of TOPS members, with more than 15,600 responses …
53% of respondents indicated that finding a program that would hold them accountable for weight loss/healthy lifestyle goals was one of the primary reasons for first joining TOPS.
The median length of membership with TOPS is 10 years, while one in four survey respondents had been a member for 20 years or more.
75% of respondents indicated that continued support for losing weight/maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the primary reasons for continuing to be a member.
More than 90% of respondents said the organization has provided them with friendships, membership is a good value for the price, and the organization offers valuable support.
57% of the respondents first learned about TOPS through a friend or family member.