West Davenport Woman Loses 117 Pounds Through Local Non-Profit TOPS - Named 2023 New York Queen

WEST DAVENPORT — Losing weight can seem intimidating, especially when you consider that 1 in 3 American adults are obese and New York has an obesity rate of 30.1%. Obesity can cause an array of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer. People can achieve weight loss and overall wellness by committing to a healthier lifestyle.

For instance, Barbara Rifenburgh of West Davenport lost 117.25 pounds through the non-profit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a non–commercial weight loss, education, and support organization. As a result of her weight loss, Barbara was named the 2023 TOPS New York Queen, meaning she lost more weight than any other female TOPS member in the entire state and reached her goal weight.

In 2023, New York TOPS members lost a total of 11,311 pounds. Barbara attributes her weight loss success to TOPS events and her TOPS peers. I have attached a personal narrative, along with a before and after photo of Barbara and a TOPS news release.

In the hopes of helping others, Barbara is willing to share her story. I’d like to speak with you about arranging an interview with Barbara for a personal health or human-interest story that I believe your audience would find informational and inspiring.

TOPS is not a diet. It is a lifestyle change for a lifetime. TOPS has been fighting obesity since its founding in 1948. 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. According to a fall 2023 survey of TOPS members, with more than 15,600 responses …

53% of respondents indicated that finding a program that would hold them accountable for weight loss/healthy lifestyle goals was one of the primary reasons for first joining TOPS.

The median length of membership with TOPS is 10 years, while one in four survey respondents had been a member for 20 years or more.

75% of respondents indicated that continued support for losing weight/maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the primary reasons for continuing to be a member.

More than 90% of respondents said the organization has provided them with friendships, membership is a good value for the price, and the organization offers valuable support.

57% of the respondents first learned about TOPS through a friend or family member.