FOOTBALLERS in Worcester have lost 150 pounds in a year with the MAN v FAT healthy lifestyle programme.
MAN v FAT Football Worcester has helped 26 local men lose weight, and takes place every Wednesday at Periswell Leisure Centre.
The programme currently has 8,400 players taking part in 150 clubs around the UK – they were created to combine the sport with achievable weight loss goals for men.
According to Public Health England, 66 per cent of adults in Worcestershire are overweight or obese.
At sessions, players are weighed, followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss.
A team’s total weight loss and match scores then contribute to their league position within a club.
The club’s coach, Christopher Lowes said: “Something that really stands out about the group is the friendships that have been created. Social events outside of the football are an important part of that, we are all willing to help each other out.
“We have created a positive support network that has been created and when someone is struggling other guys will stick around to support, or offer to play if a team is short of numbers.
“That kind of support really build a sense of camaraderie.”
The programme is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5.
Players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness and get full access to MAN v FAT online gym, so they can train in their own time at home.
