Physicians and nutritionists suggest a sensible, balanced diet and exercise to lose weight, but a support group like Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) can make weight loss fun.

TOPS member Marlene Taylor said, “I’ve been coming for two-and-a-half years and because of all the support I get, I can go a whole week and keep my diet on track.”

The TOPS group meets every Wednesday at the Cadiz United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m. for weigh-ins, and fun activities such as singing and a motivational message to keep on track to a weight-loss goal. Members are polled on their progress. Those who have lost weight are celebrated, while those who did not are welcomed without judgment.

TOPS President Marge King said, “We use portion control to manage weight loss and go by calories. Though we have a calorie exchange system, we don’t have any special foods beyond stressing fruits and vegetables. We always have to remember to stay on a diet, and that’s hard if we go out to eat or to a wedding for instance. But we must remember for success.”

King said that the Cadiz chapter has 55 dues-paying members on the books. Members pay a $24 annual fee, and $3 monthly as chapter dues. The club is open to anyone who wants to lose weight.

For the rest of this story, read this week's Cadiz Record.