Wayne Rose of Malvern was named the 2025 Ohio King by TOPS Club Inc., a nonprofit weight-loss support organization
Rose lost 52.5 pounds. He was honored May 1-2 at the TOPS Ohio recognition event in Lima
TOPS, which stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, recognizes as its royalty the women and men who recorded the largest weight loss from their highest TOPS weight and reached their goal weight by the end of the year, regardless of how long it took them to reach that goal
Rose said his weight had gradually increased over several decades
When he married in 1975, Rose weighed 175 pounds. He said he gained about 40 pounds after the birth of the couple’s first child and did not lose the weight
Although he remained active through work, playing with his children and weekends spent fishing, water skiing and swimming, his weight continued to increase. He became Santa in 1985 and joked that the extra weight helped fill out the suit
Rose joined TOPS-OH-0558 Akron in 2009 at 258.5 pounds, accompanying his wife, Margie. He later served the chapter in several positions, including treasurer and co-leader
Rose said he became more determined to lose weight after his wife died in June 2024. He promised her he would become a KOPS, or Keep Off Pounds Sensibly, member in her memory
He set three goals: lose 50 pounds, better control his diabetes and improve his overall health
Rose said he achieved his first two goals by tracking his carbohydrate intake, reducing portion sizes and cutting back on trips to buffets. He lost more than 52 pounds and said he no longer needs insulin
His next goal is to strengthen and tone his muscles
“I want to encourage all of the TOPS members that you too can reach your goal by following the TOPS guidelines, listening to your facilitators about calories, reducing carbs and exercising,” Rose said
TOPS provides group support, health education and recognition designed to encourage weight management. According to the organization, its Ohio members lost a combined 10,187 pounds in 2025
“All of us in TOPS are immensely proud of our members’ weight-loss achievements,” TOPS President Rick Danforth said. “Through their TOPS membership, these individuals can honor their life-altering successes, other members, and those who have preceded them.”
TOPS offers in-person and online weekly meetings. In-person meetings include an optional weigh-in, discussion of members’ challenges, successes and goals and a health and wellness program. Online meetings are offered through Zoom at least five times a week
Visitors may attend their first in-person TOPS meeting at no charge. Annual membership starts at $70, with additional chapter fees possible
More information about TOPS and local chapters is available at tops.org or by calling 800-932-8677
