‘It is a very humbling experience.’ Warner Robins woman tops in Georgia weight loss

Losing weight can seem intimidating, especially considering nearly 35% of American adults are obese and Georgia has an obesity rate of 33.9%, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Obesity can cause an array of medical conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

But a Warner Robins woman, who lost more than 70 pounds with the assistance of local non-profit organization TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), is sharing her story to inspire others.

Jean Boatright, who will turn 70 next month, lost a total of 71.5 pounds — the most for a female in the state of Georgia following the program, to be crowned the 2022 TOPS Georgia Queen.

Boatright was one of several TOPS members who collectively lost a total of 3,631 pounds in 2022.

She said she had struggled with her weight most of her life, using food as a way to control her emotions, but decided to make changes in 1985 when she joined TOPS.

However, over the decades her weight continued to fluctuate and she never reached her goal weight.

That all changed when the world was hit by the pandemic in 2020.

“I got close to my goal early on, and then yo-yoed until the pandemic; that’s when I really recommitted to reaching my goal weight,” Boatright said.

Boatright said she realized her weight was a serious issue during the pandemic when it was difficult to breath wearing a mask.

“As wearing a mask was a requirement, I realized the extra pounds I carried was hindering my breathing,” she said. “I couldn’t control a worldwide pandemic and I wasn’t willing to stay home to avoid wearing the mask, but what I could control was my eating.”

Boatright said through all the ups and downs, it was her TOPS family that kept her going.

“It didn’t matter what I needed, my TOPS family offered support,” she said. “Having to face the scales at the weekly TOPS meeting and the accountability of having to weigh in were very important to my success.”

Boatright said winning the crown was a full circle moment and she was proud to represent Warner Robins.

“Winning made me think about what our chapter leader said to me many years ago — she said if I made my goal, I could be the state queen,” she said. “It is a very humbling experience; it was great to reach my weight loss goal and being named queen was a bonus.”

“It was surprising to me but it reinforced all that I had learned through TOPS,” Boatright added.

So, how did she do it?

“I go to water aerobics three days a week and I weigh my food and try to eat healthy,” she said. “I also take time to write a note to other TOPS members offering encouragement.”

Through the program, Boatright said she found the determination and the inspiration to eat sensibly.

“The path now changes from Taking Off Pounds Sensibly to Keeping off Pounds Sensibly,” she said.

TOPS Club, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Rick Danforth said Boatright’s weight loss is a great example of what can be accomplished with support and determination.

“Jean’s victory is a great example of a member using the information provided by TOPS to chart her own journey to a healthier lifestyle,” he said.

“Jean never gave up on her journey,” Danforth said. “She made steady progress, remembering that weight loss is not achieved overnight, learning more about yourself each day.”

Danforth went on to say the TOPS organization is in place so people don’t have to go through their weight loss journey alone.

“The support and assistance provided by our organization is what helps members like Jean not give up,” he said. “Weight loss is a challenge and should never be done alone.”

TOPS Club Inc. is a 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 philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information, according to Danforth.

Currently, there are approximately 65,000 TOPS members, including men and women, from both the United States and Canada.

Today, Boatright said she is staying on track and encouraging others on their own weight loss journey.

Later this year, Boatright will pass on her crown to the 2023 TOPS Queen at a recognition event in Augusta and said she has a message for those who may be struggling.

“Don’t give up,” she said. “Look every day for what it takes for you to reach your goal.”