Our MAN v FAT clubs stretch far and wide, from Swansea in the west to Norwich in the East, Edinburgh in the north and down to Plymouth in the south.
The Devon club returned to action this year under the tutelage of MAN v FAT Amazing Loser Nathan Perez, who achieved 40% weight loss on the programme before stepping up to be coach.
The guys in the Plymouth club are already achieving great things with their own weight loss and we caught up with two of the current members – Steve Knight and Simon Worthington to get the lowdown on life on the south coast.
1) What is it about MAN v FAT that’s worked so well for you so far?
STEVE: For me the thing that stands MAN v FAT aside from other weight loss programmes is how tailored it is for men. I’ve played football since I was a teenager and needed something that was going to incentivise me to lose weight and it’s the camaraderie between teams and players at MAN v FAT that makes it work so well.
We have some great guys involved, a great coach in Nathan, who really encourages us to be the best we can be, we also have amazing team work on and off the pitch, we strive to help everyone to achieve what they want to. SIMON: My life before I started MAN v FAT, was a struggle both mentally and physically, my lifestyle consisted of unhealthy eating and minimal exercise, which caused significant weight gain with no accountability for it. Because football is a keen interest of mine alongside a sudden realisation that things need to change, by joining MAN v FAT, I have met people who are in a similar position to myself which has motivated me in losing 10% of my bodyweight so far and an accountability for my eating habits and previous lack of exercise.
2) What was it that made you sign up in the first place?
STEVE: The last few years, I have suffered with severe anxiety and depression and severe PTSD, this had a massive impact on my health and weight. Prior to joining MAN v FAT, I was the heaviest I have ever weighed, had no energy or motivation to improve my situation. I was struggling to play with my children and came to a crossroads in my life.
I knew at 35 that I needed to do something now, My wife (who has been my biggest supporter and biggest encourager) sent me a link to MAN v FAT, not thinking I would sign up. As soon as I looked through the advert, something in some of me was telling me that this would be my journey to get to where I want to be, physically and mentally.
SIMON: I found out about MAN v FAT through a work colleague of mine. This came at the perfect time because I was beginning to look for activities that would help me lose weight and through this I’ve now become an active gym member alongside a team mate of mine and taken up cycling which has helped me immensely.
3) What are you looking to achieve in your time with us?
STEVE: The biggest achievement I am hoping to accomplish is naturally my weight loss and getting to a place where I am happy with my body. But for me, the biggest achievement will be to use MAN v FAT to get me to a place, mentally, that I am happy with and to use MAN v FAT for me to be as healthy as I can be, both physically and mentally.
SIMON: I’m looking to continue what I’ve achieved so far by being the best version of me I can be both individually and collectively as a team mate. I’ve seen the difference in my energy levels and motivation since day 1 of MAN v FAT Plymouth, which gives me encouragement to want to continue this and see where this ultimately takes me in my weight loss journey.
4) Talk to us about the early days of MAN v FAT Plymouth – how’s it going so far?
STEVE: MAN v FAT Plymouth has had some incredible results very early on. Myself and my teammate Simon achieved our 10% certificate after 9 weeks, that’s over 2 stone lost in that time frame. We also have a lot of players who have achieved 5% and are close to 10%.
We would love more players and the thing I can say the most is no one would ever regret signing up and as long as they are determined and dedicated, they will achieve everything they set out to.
SIMON: I had previously played at another weight loss football programme but soon lost motivation as those involved were there more for the Football rather than the weight loss aspect.
With MAN v FAT Plymouth, I get a totally different feel, so far this has been an understanding and supportive club which stems from the coach Nathan who has been there and done it.
There is a friendly vibe both on and off the pitch – some weeks you are often asked to play two games, which allows you to meet others outside of your own team mates which in turn promotes a good atmosphere on and off the pitch.