Esther Manz; Founder of Weight Loss Program

Esther Manz, 88, founder and for 40 years president of the weight loss program called Take Off Pounds Sensibly. She was a 40-year-old pregnant Milwaukee housewife who weighed 208 pounds when she participated in group sessions designed to help expectant mothers manage weight. A former teacher, she saw the power of mutual support and quickly organized three friends who met at her kitchen table to help each other diet. On Jan. 21, 1948, TOPS held its first public meeting in a community center. Manz became president in 1952 and served until 1991. The international group, which now has 300,000 members, claims to be the oldest and largest noncommercial weight loss group. Under Manz’s direction, TOPS has contributed more than $4.5 million to obesity research. The former Esther Schuland was born in central Wisconsin and educated at Wisconsin State Teachers College. On Monday in Milwaukee.