A Sarnia woman has been recognized as the 2022 Ontario Queen by an international weight-loss, education and support organization.
The TOPS Club, which stands for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, says Cindy Tremain recorded the largest weight loss from her starting weight and was honoured at an event in Belleville earlier this summer.
"I've been to many provincial recognition days and you always see the Queen's go on stage and you never think it's going to be you," said Tremain. "But, I did lose 111.75 pounds over the course of my TOPS journey, so it was quite an honour to be named that."
Tremain, 64, joined the Sarnia TOPS chapter in 1985 and said it took her over three decades to reach her goal.
"I've been a member of TOPS for 37 years and I reached my goal at the end of December last year. It's been a very slow process for me, but I was very happy with my progress," she said.
Tremain said she started walking outdoors every day during the pandemic.
In 2021, she walked every morning and night when she got a new puppy (Bear), and has since been joined by her 18-year-old grandson too.
"I do 1.5 kilometres with Bear and I do 2.5 kilometres with my grandson. So, I do about 4 kilometres a night," she said.
Tremain said the program helped encourage her through her journey.
"I always say, 'you have to move to lose weight and you have to lose weight to move.' So, you have to move and be aware of what you're eating, good or bad, as long as you know what's going in your mouth then you can change gears. If you have a bad day, the next day you just get back on track," she said.
Tremain said there are eight TOPS chapters in Lambton County and 15 people in her chapter.
