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Crystal Purfield of Rio Grande lost 57 pounds and was recently crowned 2021 TOPS New Jersey Queen. (Photo provided)
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TOPS Club, Inc. (Take Off Pounds SensiblySM), the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, has begun unveiling its top “royalty” from 2021 for 2022.
TOPS® royalty are women and men who, at the end of the year, have officially recorded the largest weight loss from their starting weight, regardless of the time taken to reach their goal.
The organization provides an individual approach to weight loss and overall wellness. Consistent group support, health education, and recognition are all key components to successful weight management.
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New Jersey has an adult obesity rate of 27.7%. During 2021, TOPS members in New Jersey lost a cumulative 1,074 pounds.
Crystal Purfield – 2021 TOPS New Jersey Queen
Crystal Purfield, of Rio Grande, lost 57 pounds and is the 2021 New Jersey Queen.
She was honored April 23 at the New Jersey recognition event in Cherry Hill.
Crystal shares her story:
My experience with weight has never been easy.
Whether battling the daily challenges of being categorized as severely underweight or losing the war between food indulgence and medical concerns that come with being considered obese, I have always faced adversity with my body.
Regardless of the negativity that surrounded me from the community, I always continued to be diligent in my journey. It hasn’t been easy, and I often faced roadblocks, but I still work hard in order to maintain my weight.
I am now happy with who I am and remain confident in how I look, no matter what others may say.
“Through their participation in TOPS, we are extremely proud of our TOPS® members’ weight-loss accomplishments,” said TOPS President Rick Danforth, who has maintained a 100-pound weight loss for more than 15 years. “Celebrating the life-changing achievements of not only these individuals but those who have come before them is a hallmark of TOPS’ winning formula. By maintaining a commitment to personal lifestyle changes, TOPS members are given the tools and assistance to achieve their weight loss goals.”
Weekly meetings are the heart of TOPS support, whether they are held in person or online.
In-person meetings start with an optional weigh-in, with members then sharing challenges, successes, or goals, followed by a brief program covering a variety of health and wellness topics, 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, virtual meetings are conducted via Zoom and are offered at least three times during the week.
The meeting starts with members disclosing challenges, successes, or goals.
Next, the online facilitator presents a prepared program and sometimes includes guest speakers who share their expert views on fitness, nutrition, and more. Meetings conclude with action steps related to the program presented.
Membership is affordable, starting at $49 per year in the U.S. and $59 annually in Canada, plus nominal monthly chapter fees.
To learn more about membership options or to find a local chapter, visit the TOPS website or call 800-932-8677.
About TOPS®
TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization.
Founded in 1948, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.®” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information.
TOPS has tens of thousands of members – male and female, age seven and older – in its network of thousands of weight-loss support chapters throughout the United States and Canada.