After struggling with weight problems for more than 25 years, Platte City resident Richard Jackson has found a way to slim down, plus improve his health.
His weight-loss journey changed course when he joined TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight support group. Founded in 1948, TOPS is the only nonprofit, noncommercial weight-loss organization of its kind. TOPS combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise, and wellness information to help people lose weight.
“I want to thank my wife, Cindy, who has been in TOPS since the 1980s, for introducing me to TOPS,” Jackson said. “We have been married for 52 years, and this organization has been part of our lives.”
Jackson before TOPS
After his retirement from the Army in 1994, he began adding extra pounds. He had never had to deal with excess weight during his years in the Army since exercise was a required routine in the military.
“I was no longer lean, mean or fit,” Jackson said.
His body didn’t adjust well to the weight gain and he began undergoing serious health issues, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
His wife suggested that he join TOPS so they could work together to achieve their weight-loss goals.
“I believed I could get my weight under control within a year because it’s a widely believed assumption that men lose weight more easily than women,” Jackson said. “I learned this is not always true.” The 80/20 rule has become his go-to routine when it comes to eating. He eats healthy food 80% of the time while only 20% of the time he submits to cravings. “My wife, the dietitian in the family, helped me to understand that I need to eat regular meals with protein, plus, incorporate fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into our meals,” Jackson said. “If I want something sweet, I eat a smaller portion and avoid mindless snacking. We ensure we have healthy snacks in the house that include plenty of in-season fruits.” Sweets have always been his weakness and there are days when he wants to eat sweets more than healthy foods.
Jackson after losing weight
To control his sugar cravings, he drinks a lot of water, even if he doesn’t feel thirsty, and that staves off his cravings. “Sugar can be found in many foods, and unless we read labels, we can be fooled into thinking a snack is healthy,” Jackson said. “During holidays, I don’t beat myself up if I eat pumpkin pie. Stop and think about how many holidays there are in a year and how those few days affect your weight. Be accountable to yourself by weighing in weekly, especially when you think you have gained weight.”
It took Jackson 24 years to reach his weight-loss goal. His wife and the local TOPS chapter members keep him motivated. While he wishes he could share the key ingredients to losing weight, he knows that one size doesn’t fit all, and everyone is a complex and individual human being.
“What has helped me lose weight won’t necessarily be your golden ticket,” Jackson said. “My best advice is to never give up and keep your weight loss journey as your top priority.”
The biggest benefit that came from his weight loss was healthy living. His blood pressure medication has been reduced, along with his three-month average blood-sugar readings.
“In addition, I am sleeping 20-30% better, which means my sleeping is more restful most nights,” Jackson said. He and his wife volunteer six days per week at Hillcrest Thrift Shop, which raises money for homeless families.
“Daily walking is my secret to getting exercise, especially at the thrift store. I attempt to avoid our break room, where I normally get tempted to taste foods that our seniors love to share,” Jackson said. “Hillcrest has been my ‘Go To’ place when shopping for clothing that actually fits my in-between sizes. Hillcrest always provided an affordable selection for clothing when I wasn’t at my goal.”
He truly appreciates his TOPS chapter for their support and encouragement throughout his weight-loss journey.
“These members have always provided guidance and a positive attitude when the scales showed a weight gain. Remember that weight loss can be a slow process. Just be consistent and strong in your daily choices.”
He described his local TOPS chapter as small but mighty, and a close and friendly group that supports each other in different ways, including contests, games, and being there for one another during difficult times.
Each year TOPS announces its ‘royalty’ king and queen, who have officially recorded the largest weight loss. Jackson had the honor of being named TOPS King in 2024 after he dropped 44.75 pounds.
“My advice to those who want to lose weight and improve their overall health is to reach out to a family member, friend or group that can participate with you on your weight-loss journey,” Jackson said. “It’s always fun to have another person to help motivate you, especially when you hit a plateau. My family, friends and acquaintances were my biggest supporters during my weight-loss journey. Each of them played an important role without them ever knowing it. Just a friendly comment or card with words of encouragement made a difference.”