TULSA, Okla. — A Tulsa man lost over 100 pounds and was recognized for it by a national weight loss organization.
100 pounds is a lot to lose, but Thomas Smith lost the weight while being a type 2 diabetic. The Tulsa native was once 243 pounds and now weighs 140. Believe it or not, Smith’s goal wasn’t to lose 100 pounds.
“Oh, it wasn’t my goal initially,” says Smith. “I’m a type 2 diabetic, and my A1C was stuck at basically 10 for years. And so my goal initially was just to get that lowered to normal so I could be healthier. And part of that journey is my A1C drops, so does the weight. My doctor wanted me at 140, which I had at the time when I started this journey, I thought was impossible. I did not see myself being as low.
He started working with TOPS or Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a support group for people who struggle with using food as a comfort for stress. TOPS named Smith their ‘King of Oklahoma’ in 2024 and he was honored at a ceremony back in March. Smith told me he was floored when he found out he won.
“Originally, I was going to be runner up king and then when I got there, I was pleasantly surprised when they said, they pulled me aside and said, I was gonna be king instead.” And that was this total shock because my first reaction was, “Oh, God, am I…does that mean I have to go around and be the center of attention and have people come to me for questions and do interviews all the time because I hate being the center attention.”
As for what’s next for Thomas, he isn’t exactly sure but he knows what he’ll continue to do.
“I’m gonna try to continue living a healthy lifestyle.” says Smith.
Another big reason he was able to take off some weight was because of walking. Smith told FOX23 he walks a lot in the evening when its a lot cooler outside.
By 2026, the state of Oklahoma wants to increase the number of physical activity programs available as part of Oklahoma’s Health for a Lifetime’ plan.
If you are interested in the organization TOPS or the Health for a Lifetime plan, you can view it with this story.