Tunnelton man loses weight with TOPS

In the post-lockdown world, one wish has remained constant from 2019 to now.
The most common New Year’s resolutions still show weight-loss as No. 1 on people’s minds (https://www.statista.com).
As so many hope to lose weight in 2023, what determines success or failure? How can people be on the successful side? Why do some resolutions fail?
A few of the main reasons are unreasonable goals combined with lack of behavioral change, a lack of accountability, failure to track and review progress, a lack of proper planning or scheduling, nagging self-doubts based on previous failures, and a lack of clarity or a specific “why.”
Further, Economic Times (January 2022) reported that only about 16% of people who make their resolutions are able to keep them. Most abandon their weight-loss resolutions within one to six weeks of starting, only to repeat that cycle the following New Year’s.
William Childers, who shared his success story credits his Tunnelton nonprofit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club Inc. for his ability to lose nearly 21 pounds last year.
TOPS is a membership-based weight-loss support system. Members meet for support, accountability and guidance on their eating habits.
Childers was voted 2021 TOPS West Virginia King, and described himself as “just an old country boy who likes to hunt, fish and spend time with family.”
He participated in sports and band in high school. He worked for the Preston Country Club before joining the Navy in 1967. Once discharged in 1971, he worked at a golf and country club in Virginia. He also worked in coal mines and as security for Mon Health Medical Center.
Childers formerly bowled several nights a week. He and his wife of 50 enjoy their children and grandchildren. Though Childers lost about 10 pounds on his own, he was inspired by his wife to join TOPS. He weighed 195.6 pounds and had set a goal to be 175 pounds. TOPS and his wife’s support helped him to meet that goal in May 2021.
“Everyone in the chapter has been very supportive and, for that, I am grateful,” Childers said.
After having COVID-19, Childers “didn’t feel like doing much. Getting involved in TOPS helped me get back to being active,” he said.
Childers plans to stay at his goal weight to “maintain KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) status. When I set my mind to something, I’m successful in making it happen,” he said.
He was aware of other methods for weight-loss, but believes the TOPS tips helped him.
“Weighing in every week was very important. I’m the only male in my chapter, but the women in the group are always encouraging me and one another,” Childers said. “The support is important, and the tips provided, such as drinking more water and doing more exercising, helped me be successful.
“I don’t think I would have lost my weight without TOPS. I am glad I joined because of the encouragement I received.”
Does he have any advice or encouragement for resolution makers this year?
“Whatever you do, start slow and build up to increase repetitions. Start out with exercises and build up from there. I would also encourage them to join a TOPS chapter to get the support and encouragement needed to lose weight,” Childers said.