Get a head start on your weight loss program this summer and impress your winter friends and relatives when they return for the winter.

TOPS Club Inc. — Take Off Pounds Sensibly — is a nonprofit, non-commercial weight loss support organization. In an industry filled with quick fixes and fad diets, TOPS is an affordable and evidence-based program that encourages members to make small, steady lifestyle changes that provide lasting weight loss and better health.

TOPS is a network of thousands of weight-loss support groups (called chapters) in every U.S. state and Canadian province. Cost of enrollment is $32 for a year membership and that includes a packet of information for new members and a subscription to the TOPS News magazine that is full of valuable information to help you on your journey to your desired weight loss. There is a $5 per month fee that is used to meet the expenses of the chapter, along with a 25 cent per week charge to weigh-in.

There is a companion program for those people who reached their desired weight goal. It is called KOPS, Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly, and it is a maintenance program that will help you maintain your weight goal.

We invite you to visit our chapter, AZ0315, in the Assembly of God Church Activity Center, 651 N. Ocotillo Drive in Apache Junction.

Official weigh-ins are 10:30-11 a.m. Fridays with the meeting called to order at 11 a.m. and ending at noon.

You can visit the first meeting free of charge. We hope you will come check us out and get a jump-start on your weight loss journey.

For additional information, go to tops.org.

Editor’s note: Barbara Brook is TOPS chapter AZ0315's secretary.