Isle of Wight football enthusiasts focused on fitness have shed 300kg (600 pounds) of excess weight in a year, thanks to the MAN v FAT healthy lifestyle program.
The MAN v FAT Isle of Wight branch meets every Tuesday evening at The Bay CE High School in Sandown, offering an opportunity for overweight and obese men to improve their well-being through football-based activities.
Recent data from Public Health England reveals that approximately 63% of adults in the Isle of Wight Council region struggle with being overweight or obese.
Organisers say the program's impact is evident with participants from certain postcode areas receiving a complimentary first 14-week season funded by the Isle of Wight Council in partnership with MAN v FAT.
Club member Mike Lazarus, who has already lost a two and a half stone through the program, said:
“What I enjoy the most is the chance to get out, meet people, and get more physically active, the club has a nice bunch of lads."
Targeted at men with a BMI over 27.5, MAN v FAT Football boasts over 8,000 participants across 150 clubs in the UK. The program has collectively helped UK players lose over 550,000 pounds.
Pre-match weigh-ins are followed by a 30-minute six-a-side football game, where teams earn goal bonuses based on weight loss. These achievements determine the league positions within the club.
MAN v FAT Football Isle of Wight’s regional manager, Dan Church said:
"The men involved are genuinely changing their lives for the better by improving their physical and mental health, while making new friends and having fun in the process."
Prospective players interested in joining the club can reach out via www.manvfatfootball.org/isleofwight. The program also provides off-field support, including healthy meal ideas, fitness tips, and access to an online gym for individual training.
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