MILWAUKEE — While losing weight is often about what you eat or how much you exercise, it’s also about who you have in your corner.

TOPS Club, Inc. — Take Off Pounds Sensibly — the nonprofit weight-loss support organization, with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.” philosophy, believes a strong support system can make a huge difference in shedding pounds, so much so that support is a key component of involvement in the organization. Studies show that the people around you can be key to staying consistent, motivated, and confident in your weight loss journey.

The following are a few benefits of having a solid group of family, friends, and others who can help you along the way:

Accountability

Let’s face it — staying on track can be tough. Having someone to check in with or share progress updates keeps you accountable, whether it’s the TOPS members in your local chapter or a workout buddy who meets you at the gym. Little nudges of encouragement can keep your motivation strong, even when your willpower starts to fade.

Emotional Support

Weight loss comes with ups and downs. Some days you’ll feel amazing about your progress; other days you might feel frustrated. Talking to people who understand what you’re going through helps you manage stress and stay positive through challenges and plateaus.

Shared Ideas

Your support system can also be a great source of helpful advice. Maybe a fellow TOPS member shares a healthy recipe she or he loves, or you pick up a new workout idea from a friend. Sharing tips, recipes, and strategies helps you learn and grow throughout your journey.

Inspiration

Seeing others succeed can be inspiring. When people around you are working toward their own weight loss goals, it creates an atmosphere of motivation. You might even find a little friendly competition in your group that pushes you to keep going.

Long-Term Success

Research shows that people who lean on a support system are more likely to keep the weight off long-term. Losing pounds shouldn’t be a short-term effort — it’s about creating lasting habits. A supportive community helps turn healthy choices into a lifestyle.

You don’t have to walk your journey towards weight loss on your own. Gather your family members and friends, join a fitness class, or better yet, find a TOPS chapter in your area.

When you surround yourself with people who lift you, it becomes a little easier to lose the weight — and it feels a lot more rewarding.

TOPS Club, Inc. 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.

Today, there are about 65,000 members, including men, women, and international members who join chapter meetings in person or online, with thousands of chapters in all 50 states and across Canada. TOPS’ online program is for people who might prefer that model or who live too far to attend in-person chapter meetings. Online resources include news and information from the health and inspirational community, meal planning ideas, workouts, chapter resources, and more.

Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable, starting at $70 per year, plus nominal chapter fees. The longer you’re a TOPS member, the more you save through reduced renewal rates.

Go to www.tops.org or call 800-932-8677 for more information.