A FOOTBALL-focused weight loss programme has helped 250 men from Somerset tackle obesity and lose one tonne (1040kg) of weight last year.
MAN v FAT is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI higher than 27.5.
The clubs, run by MAN v FAT Football, take place in Taunton, Bridgwater, Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil, and Bath.
All five clubs in Somerset are currently looking for new players.
MAN v FAT is an FA-affiliated scheme, which has 6,500 players taking part in over 100 clubs across the UK.
The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.
Before matches, players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost.
Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. According to Public Health England, around 62.5 per cent of adults in Somerset are overweight or obese.
Charlie Roberts from Yeovil, who has lost six stone with the help of the programme, said: “Losing weight can be a huge challenge on a physical and emotional level - the support you receive as part of the MAN v FAT community is immense, as everybody there is in the same boat fighting the same battle as you are.
Charlie Roberts
“No matter what happens on the pitch or off of it, the lads and coach are always on hand to help.
“Something that potential players might worry about is their footballing ability and how they match up against other players, it’s a real mixed bag - there are guys that have barely kicked a ball and then experienced players too - it’s great fun.
“Since joining MAN v FAT, I feel so much more confident meeting new people and losing weight has literally changed my life. I have become a different person! I’m full of energy, full of life and happier than I have ever been.”
Richard Crick, MAN v FAT’s head of football comments: “We are extremely proud of the progress made by our players, coaches and the wider team involved at our Somerset clubs.
“All the clubs in the county currently have spaces for new players, so if you’re ready to shed some of the Christmas excess while having fun and making new friends in the process, get in touch.”
Players can join up at www.manvfat.com/football and they can get more information by calling 0345 163 0042 or emailing football@manvfat.com
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