Weight biases and stigmas continue to permeate many aspects of society

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in The Firefly Services building, on Thursday, July 31, 2025 for their regular weigh in and meeting.

Our leader, Warren, called the meeting to order. Carol led us in singing “To TOPS Club We Will Go”.

We said our TOPS & KOPS pledges.

Warren led us in Roll Call. Sixteen members weighed in, we had a 1.6-pound gain and an 8.8 loss leaving us with a net loss of 7.2 pounds. The best loser for the week was a tie between Erin and Warren, they lost 2.8 each. Congratulations to you both. Other great losses were; Pat 2.2, and Juanita 1 pound.

Pat had the program today, she took her program from the July/August issue of TOPS News, titled “Weight Bias.” Roughly 40% of adults in the US are living with obesity, and yet weight biases and stigmas continue to permeate many aspects of society. It shows up in the media when negative stereotypes are used to portray characters who are overweight. In healthcare some doctors spend less time with overweight patients. Bullies sling fat jokes and are often rewarded with laughter.

Practicing self-awareness and self-kindness can began to combat weight stigma that is harmful to your self-esteem and overall health.

Thank you, Pat, for a great and insightful program.

Jean announced the Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting for August will be Thursday, Aug. 7, she showed the group the gift our chapter is giving the new teachers to welcome them to the community.

Linda said all who are going to Fun Day have paid the registration.

Pat presented the New Contest she picked for August. This will start August 1st, it is called “MONEY- Healthy Choices Count”. Members can earn fake money for various things such as lose 1 pound, get $1, KOPS in leeway $1, Give a program $10, track food 6 out of 7 days a week $100 and so on. The winner is the person with the most money at the end of the month. Cost to join is $5. First place winner would receive $10; 2nd place $5 and 3rd place $3. Linda Hall moved, to accept this contest, Carol 2nd and motion passed. Pat has a detailed list of things we do to earn our “money”.

Pat said the winner of the last contest will be announced next week.

Marble game: There is $11.50 in the pot, Jean won the right to draw but did not get the winning one.

With no other business we closed with our motto “IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME”

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Firefly Services building” at 700 E. Hospital Rd, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and is over by 10 a.m. For more information call Linda at 417-876-7404. Come and join us.

TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.