TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)

The TOPS, or Take Off Pounds Sensibly, weight-loss program has been around since 1948. It focuses on making simple, sustainable lifestyle changes so you both lose the weight and keep it off. TOPS uses a food exchange system to help you make moderate choices, allowing you to swap foods within the same category to create a highly customizable diet. The supportive group atmosphere (if you're close enough to a chapter to attend meetings) and modest fee may appeal to those who like the idea of Weight Watchers but can't afford it, or don't have a Weight Watchers location nearby.

If you can't attend meetings or dislike the social atmosphere, you can also purchase online support (*Est. $27.50 per year). The website offers a few basic tools for free, but most of the online features are reserved for paying members. A scientific study found that TOPS produced results similar to those of commercial weight-loss programs that often cost hundreds, if not thousands, more per year. Most users like TOPS and many thrive in the group meetings, although a few find the element of socializing uncomfortable.

The best evidence of TOPS's success comes from a scientific study published in Obesity. We also found a handful of user reviews at Viewpoints.com and DailyStrength, and a blog entry documenting one woman's first visit to TOPS.