Hundreds will be topping the scales in the 'Boro (today) Friday and Saturday (April 7 and 8, 2017) as a statewide gathering of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) will meet at the Clarion Inn & Suites to celebrate their weight loss accomplishments.

Hundreds are gathering to celebrate what this non-profit has done for their lives. The group will also honor an Elizabethton woman who lost 95.4 pounds and will be crowned the 2016 Tennessee Queen. As Queen, Janis Stout lost more pounds, from her starting weight as a member of the nonprofit, than any other TOPS woman in the state. Janis is willing to share her story in the hopes of helping others.

TOPS has been fighting obesity since its founding in 1948. Last year, TOPS members (125,000) lost more than 300 tons of excess weight. Independent university research concluded TOPS is safe, effective and affordable (annual fee: $32) making it accessible to people of all income groups.

TENNESSEE FACTS & STATS:

• 33.8% of the adult population in the state is obese.
• There are 1,029 TOPS members and 71 TOPS Chapters in Tennessee.
• Last year, they lost a total of 5,697.50 pounds!
• Obesity effects more than a third of all Americans. That's 78.6 million people. According to the CDC, it's associated with "about 112,000 deaths every year in this country." Obesity can cause an array of medical conditions including: heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.

I'm writing to follow up with a news release that was sent to your office on March 29 regarding a statewide event that is taking place in Murfreesboro beginning Friday, April 7 and running through Saturday, April 8 for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a not-for-profit, non-commercial weight loss, education and support organization. Hundreds will gather at the Clarion Inn & Suites to celebrate their weight loss accomplishments, including a Elizabethton woman who lost 95.4 pounds and will be crowned the 2016 Tennessee Queen. As Queen, Janis Stout lost more pounds, from her starting weight as a member of the nonprofit, than any other TOPS woman in the state. Janis is willing to share her story in the hopes of helping others.

Tackling obesity requires a lifestyle change involving making healthy choices and having a support system. Janis is a primary example of someone who obtained successful, permanent weight loss and gained a healthy, fit lifestyle.

For more information about the TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) program, visit their website http://www.tops.org/