TOPS® Honors Sleepy Eye Woman for Weight Loss Success
TOPS® Honors Sleepy Eye Woman for Weight Loss Success
International Weight-Loss Organization Announces Leading “Losers” for 2024
TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, is unveiling its “royalty” for 2024. TOPS® royalty are women and men who have officially recorded the largest weight loss from their highest weight at TOPS by the end of 2024 and reached their goal weight, regardless of the time taken to reach their goal. Carol Lochner of Sleepy Eye, who lost 94.5 pounds, is the 2024 Minnesota Queen. She was honored April 25-26, 2025, at the Minnesota recognition event at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud, MN.
Carol Lochner – TOPS 2024 Minnesota Queen
It is an honor to be named the Minnesota Queen.
My struggles with maintaining a healthy weight started in the 1970s. I tried to do it on my own but was not successful. I utilized the shake-meal replacement program and was successful. But, after completing the program and returning to normal food, I quickly gained back my losses. I knew I needed a different answer.
TOPS was attractive to me as it created an instant support group of like-minded individuals fighting the same battle. My first membership was in the New Ulm chapter in the early 1980s, moving my membership to Sleepy Eye soon after. I joined with a friend and soon created more friends who were my cheerleaders in good times and bad.
Over the years, faithful meeting attendance has been the cornerstone of my success. I appreciate the weekly accountability. Learning and growing are important; I enjoy the discussions that we have. We learn and teach each other ways to be healthy. I appreciate the TOPS magazine and the helpful hints that are shared. I am inspired by others’ success.
Participation in TOPS has benefited me in many ways, mostly with my health. My diabetes is under control, my blood pressure is better, and I feel better. I have less pain and more energy. The social interaction with my fellow members also helps with a positive outlook.
My advice to others is to stick with it. Sometimes it may be tough and not go as you planned. If you fail, move on and get back on track. I would encourage members to be involved in their clubs with leadership roles, faithful attendance, and participation in programs and discussions. You can do it – I did!
With an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness, TOPS provides consistent group support, health education, and recognition to encourage successful weight management. Minnesota has an adult obesity rate of 33.3%, and in 2024, TOPS members in Minnesota lost a cumulative 7,346 pounds.
“All of us affiliated with TOPS are extremely proud of our members’ weight-loss accomplishments,” said Rick Danforth, TOPS President. “Through their TOPS membership, these individuals can commemorate their life-changing successes, other members, and those who have preceded them. By continuing their faithfulness to lifestyle alterations, a characteristic of TOPS’ successful formula, TOPS members employ the methods they’re offered and the support of their peers to achieve their weight loss objectives.”
In-person or online weekly meetings are the heart of TOPS support. In-person meetings start with an optional weigh-in, with members then sharing challenges, successes, or goals. A brief program covering a variety of health and wellness topics follows and may conclude with awards and recognition for the week. Visitors can attend their first TOPS in-person meeting free of charge and are encouraged to try more than one chapter since they’re all a little different.
For online membership, meetings are conducted via Zoom and are offered at least five times weekly. The meeting starts with members disclosing challenges, successes, or goals. Next, the online facilitator presents a prepared program that sometimes includes guest speakers sharing expert views on fitness, nutrition, and more. Meetings conclude with action steps related to the presented program.
Membership is affordable, starting at USD 70 per year, plus nominal chapter fees. Join TOPS, visit www.tops.org, or call 800-932-8677 to learn more about TOPS and to find a local chapter.
