Men score a winner with weight loss goals

A football weight loss programme exclusively for men who want to lose unwanted pounds celebrated the end of a successful season this week. 61 men who have taken part in the national MAN v FAT Football project have lost a combined weight of 44.4 stone during the 14-week programme. MAN v FAT Football combines organised and competitive sport with an easy to follow diet and 24/7 online and offline support.

I joined the Man v Fat Football programme to get healthier and try to lose some weight. It has been a complete lifestyle change and by taking part I have lost two stone and two pounds, which is nearly 10% of my body weight. It has been hard but with the support of the group and playing football it didn’t seem like a weight loss programme.  I now feel better than ever and motivated to keep losing.

George, current Man v Fat participant

There are traditional weigh-ins before each game which are followed by a 30-minute game of 6-a-side football.  Players are put into teams and battle against each other in their own Man v Fat Football league. Liz Barton-Jones, Head of Sport and Wellbeing added: “It’s great to see how much weight the men have lost.  I have seen how hard it has been for them and how much work they have put in. Obesity is a problem in the region and by offering a programme like this at the Beacon of Light we aim to continue to help making a change.” MAN v FAT is delivered form the Beacon of Light, Sunderland’s newest sports, events, health and education venue which includes a 4G indoor rooftop football barn capable of hosting a 7-a-side and 5-a-side games, a versatile indoor arena and six outdoor 5-a-side 3G pitches as well as classrooms, offices and informal learning spaces.