If weight loss is your goal, there’s a support group in Bluffton ready to help you.

Bluffton TOPS, which means Take Off Pounds Sensibly, is that group.

Last week members celebrated several weight-loss milestones in a celebration delayed from this past spring due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Three members of the group achieved state-wide recognition for their weight loss, according to Tana O’Donnell, TOPS coordinator.

Their stories are amazing.

• Gloria Kershner of Lima, and a member of the Bluffton group, was recognized as the TOPS Ohio queen. Joining TOPS with a weight of 331 and a quarter pounds, she met her weight loss goal, losing 161 and a quarter pounds, over a one-year period. She now weights 170 pounds.

Gloria has been a member since January of 2012. She said that while most of the loss (140 pounds) came off between January of 2018 and July of 2019 when I reached her goal, she didn't lose the entire 161 in a year. 

• Steve Riter of Columbus Grove, was recognized as the TOPS Ohio Division 2 winner, and received second place in the state in his weight loss goal. Riter lost 57 pounds during the one-year period.

• Morgan Davies of Bluffton, was recognized as the TOPS Ohio Division 3 winner, and received second place in the state in his weight loss goal.

As a chapter, the Bluffton TOPS member shed an average of 8 pounds per member during that period.

TOPS meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at the St. John’s United Church of Christ, 223 W. College Ave., with an average attendance of 12 to 15 persons

The nationwide organization was founded by 1948.  The club is open anyone interested in losing weight.

 A weekly weigh in, along with a food log, keeps members accountable. Discussions are supportive and educational.

Once a goal weight is achieved, the member graduates to KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) and will maintain their weight per the guidelines.

KOPS members continue to attend and are very supportive to those still working on their weight loss. The Bluffton chapter currently has three KOPS.