Robert Leader's move from his parents' home into a group boarding home was the
beginning of the end of his weight problem. Some of his friends at the boarding home
belonged to TOPS and invited him to a meeting. Since then, Robert has lost 179 pounds
to goal. He is TOPS' 2001 international king.

"During the first 9 years of my life, I was a typical kid," Robert says. "I enjoyed running,
playing with friends, and riding my bike." But when he began taking medication for a seizure
disorder, "I quit outdoor activities and sat on the couch, watching TV and eating," he says.

Each year Robert's weight increased and he endured ridicule about his size. "People made
cruel jokes and laughed and talked about me behind my back," he says.

In 1996, Robert moved into a boarding home. At his physical, he weighed 414 pounds. Some
of his friends at the home invited him to TOPS. He was apprehensive, but everyone at
TOPS# MN 88, Thief River Falls, made him feel welcome. "No one seemed to care that
I was the biggest person there," he says, "and I decided to join."

Robert recalls that his weight at the time made him "very uncomfortable." His waist size was 60",
and he wore a 5X-6X shirt.

Robert started a walking program with his TOPS friends at the group home. At first he could only
walk a short distance before becoming tired and short of breath, but he kept at it. The staff of
the home encouraged his exercise and helped him make wise food choices. "They cheered for
my success and gave me encouragement when I gained," Robert says. "Over time, I was able to
lose 179 pounds. Now I have a 40" waist, and I feel terrific!

"I currently live at a supervised living service, and the staff here supports my efforts," Robert says.
"Thank you to my fellow TOPS members, my family, and the facility staffs for your help in reaching
my goal and receiving this honor."

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