Terry Ritch of Stockdale has been named the 2025 Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Texas King. He has lost more than 240 pounds. Ritch, 47, said the bigger change is being able to take part in everyday family activities.
Three years ago, Ritch weighed 463 pounds when he was in a hospital in South Dakota. His blood sugar had climbed above 800. He said his eating habits had put his life at risk. He called his mother, Rosie Ritch, in Texas. Rosie, 76, was named TOPS Texas Queen in 2022.
Ritch joined TOPS Chapter TX 1482 in Adkins after returning to Texas. He weighed 421 pounds at his first meeting. TOPS is a non-commercial nonprofit weight-loss, education and support organization. Ritch said the support of other members helped him most.