A former avid runner sidelined by orthopedic problems, Pat Tamborra of Salem struggled to maintain a healthy weight for years. Last month, the former NFA chemistry teacher was honored by the nonprofit TOPS for losing more weight than any other Connecticut man in the program.

TOPS, short for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, is a national weight loss organization with nearly 1,000 members in 54 clubs in Connecticut. Tamborra said he joined with his wife Chris in 2015 after 20 years of weight loss and gain. He looks forward to the Tuesday night meetings with the Bozrah chapter.

He said the program works more like a support group, with an emphasis on encouragement and accountability to reach a weight loss goal determined in a partnership with each person’s physician. He enjoyed the games and challenges with fellow members to keep everyone working toward their goals, and there are no meal plans or products to purchase.

Over the course of their time in the chapter, Tamborra said it was sometimes tough to keep the weight off, especially with parties and other food-related events. But he and his wife have both lost weight, and he has seen dramatic improvement in his blood pressure and energy. They also walk more.

Tamborra reached his weight loss goal in October 2016, which put him in the KOPS (Keeping Off Pounds Sensibly) category. He said that member data is compiled by TOPS at the state and national level, and anyone who reaches their goal in a calendar year is eligible to be recognized at a statewide ceremony. Since Tamborra lost 43 pounds, the most weigh out of all “KOPS” men in Connecticut who met their goal in 2016, he was named TOPS King at this year’s ceremony in Cromwell.

In his recognition speech, he said he was grateful for the support from Chris and his fellow TOPS members, who cheered him on for each pound lost and kept off.

For more information about TOPS, visit tops.org. TOPS Chapter #34 meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Pathways, 410 Salem Turnpike in Bozrah.

a.hutchinson@theday.com