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Real men, real weight loss stories
We call them Amazing Losers, but you might know them as weight loss before and after stories. They’re motivating, honest, and there’s not a magic pill in sight.
“It’s just good, healthy living” – Amazing Loser Chris Mansell
Amazing Losers, our series of inspirational before-and-after weight loss stories are back with a bang this week with Chris’s story, which is one we definitely relate to. Being a little too comfortable in your relationship? Tick. Trying to shop at stores that don’t have your size? Shudder, tick. If you’re in the same boat, read on to see how Chris went on to lose 69lbs…
Name: Chris Mansell (ask him anything over on the forum)
Age: 31
Height: 5’11”
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Occupation: Business developer
Highest weight: 240lbs (17st 2/108.9kg)
Lowest weight: 171.5lbs (12st 3.5 / 77.8kg)
Weight lost: 69lbs
How did you get to the position where you needed to lose weight?
Being a newly married person with two incomes and all the time in the world, we spent far too much time in restaurants. We lived in a very small apartment that was difficult to cook any decent meals in so it was just easier to go out and grab something. Pair that with not getting any good exercise and you have a recipe for weight gain.
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
Probably the same as most people. I remember trying on suit jacket at a store and having them say they didn’t have a jacket in any larger of a size and I’d have to shop elsewhere. That’s embarrassing. Getting winded walking up the stairs was quite embarrassing too.
What made you decide to change?
It started with a hiking trip to a waterfall I went on with my wife. We got to the top of the trail and there was an option to hike some rocks to get closer to the water. She was super pregnant at the time and was already tired, but was willing to give it a shot. I felt fine. When we started hiking up the rocks I got light headed, my heart raced and I almost passed out. I had to sit on a rock and get myself collected while people hiked around me.
The whole time I was thinking I’d have to get airlifted out of this place and how terrible it is for me to bring my pregnant wife on a trek and have a heart attack or something. I ended up being ok, but from that point onwards I knew something had to change. I didn’t like the idea of taking my kids to water parks and having to take breaks on my way up to the water slides. That really pushed me into making some changes, but it took more than one of these moments to hone in on the skills where I actually change something.
How did you do it?
I started researching a lot of methods of weight loss. I wanted to lose weight but not gain it right back again. I think doing the research was actually just a subtle way of being lazy. It was easier to sit on my phone and read about getting healthy than get up and do something about it.
Eventually, I ran out of excuses and settled on calorie counting. I calorie counted for a year and lost my first 30lbs pretty easily. I started introducing more and more workouts to help me push past the many plateaus I hit.
Over the span of 2 years, I lost the majority of my weight but I hit an impossible wall at 182lbs. It didn’t seem to matter how much I worked out or calorie counted, my body just didn’t want to lose any more weight. I was introduced to a fitness trainer overseas that had developed a program specifically for dads to lose that ‘dad weight’. It was the biggest breakthrough I made. Eating right, proper exercises and doing it all in a long-term, manageable way was what I needed. I started tracking my macronutrients along with doing high-intensity workouts at home. This combination pushed me past the wall and I’m still losing weight consistently every week.
Had you tried to lose weight before? If yes, what made this time different from the times before?
I lost about 25-30lbs back when I was in college. I probably would have kept losing weight and was on the right track in my mind, but my life took a pretty big change in regards to work and where I lived and then I started planning a wedding. It was an incredibly stressful time and it took my focus off taking care of myself. The difference this time is I have children looking up to me. I had to make a change or I might have had an actual health crisis before I could see them grow up.
You haven’t really mentioned your weight loss on social media, was this intentional? If so, why?
It was intentional. I know a lot of trainers or weight loss programs encourage social media adaption to keep you accountable. The program I’m in now has a group on social media of like-minded dads in a similar situation.
I just saw too many failures on social media. I see people jump online and share their goals and reasons for doing so, post about it for a month, max, and then just go back to the way it was before. No better off and probably a little embarrassed.
I love my friends, but they aren’t going to keep me as accountable as my own family will. And I didn’t feel like I needed to worry about being part of that drop-off statistic. I think people give up sometimes the moment they feel like a failure, and a person will feel like a failure in a weight loss journey MANY times. I didn’t need the extra negativity honestly; I was good enough at that on my own.
Forums like the MAN v FAT Forum and my weight loss group are better though. There’s value in having places to get advice and ask questions. I was a frequent visitor to MAN v FAT over the past couple years and it helped me stay motivated and inspired. The journey can be daunting, and having people going through the programs with you can add tremendous value.
What did you eat before you lost weight? Can you give us an example of a typical day’s food?
“Healthy take-out” like Subway which made me feel like I wasn’t making a poor choice (marketing magic at work). Lots of large fry combos and high-calorie drinks and sauces. I’ve cut back on all these things but I still eat the same as before, just in moderation and with more purpose.
What do you eat now?
Lean meats to keep my protein levels up (helps keep me feeling full and helps with muscle regeneration). Lots of protein shakes/bars. Plenty of vegetables and half the amount of carbs I was accustomed to from before. Honestly, I eat mostly the same foods. I’m just smart about it now and know when to say “no”.
What was the most difficult thing about losing weight?
Holidays. Any excuse to eat poorly can be made up on a long weekend, over Christmas/Thanksgiving, or during “cheat meals” on a weekend. When you actually track what you put in your body, it’s pretty easy to see why people balloon up during those periods. There were times in the journey when I didn’t lose weight in a week even though I kept my macro’s and calories in check, and those are hard to overcome. It feels terrible to work so hard for a week and then have no apparent progress to show for it.
How did you overcome these difficulties?
I learned that the scales are only valuable for a certain amount of time. Eventually, your body starts levelling out and your weight doesn’t change as quickly. In those moments I reminded myself that this is a long-term game, not just for a slimmer body but also just better health in general. If you can’t get over those moments during the journey, you’ll probably gain the weight back again after you hit your goal. What’s the point of continuing past your goals if your only objective is to see the scale drop?
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I have seen a noticeable change in my energy levels and ability to stay active for long periods at a time. Mentally I’m much more confident in myself. I’m wearing medium sized clothing now (almost need to change to small in some cases). Plus, all my furniture appreciated the break.
Who supported you the most on your journey and how did they help?
Unintentionally, a coworker of mine. He made an innocent statement about how hard it is to maintain diets long term and said “good luck” to me. I interpreted it as “you’ll never pull it off’ and it fired me up. I used that misread as fuel to keep going. Having family/friends mention my transformation has been great motivators to keep it up too. It’s always nice to hear the words “are you still losing weight? I can tell!”
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
Stop researching and just start doing something. I’d also mention that there are at least 2 little kids that will be watching everything I do and I need to set healthy expectations for them.
You have 3lbs to go until you hit your goal weight – how will you celebrate?
For at least a week, I’m not doing any burpees. I’ll buy some nicer clothes that I don’t have to toss out in a month’s time. I’ve almost hit my “dream goal” so I think I’ll just push that number a bit and see where I can get too. This is a long-term change.
Now that you’ve lost weight, how are you planning on maintaining your weight loss?
The tracking of my food and the exercise I’m currently doing is sustainable long term. It’s not a fancy diet or a life-sucking workout program. It’s just good, healthy living. I’m pretty sure the guilt I feel when I make mistakes in the program now will carry on, but that will keep me on the straight and narrow.
You’re Prime Minister for the day – what law would you bring in to help combat the obesity problem?
Weight loss financial aids. I’ve had to replace my wardrobe 3 times, that’s a huge cost every time! I’d make a discount or tax return program for healthy eating to help people not feel financially punished for getting healthier.
What three things do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
1. Don’t fret over “failures” along the way. Even if you lose weight and gain some back over a week or two, just get back out there and adjust. It’s all about trial and error because everybody is different.
2. Your worst critic is going to be yourself, and your fan support will probably show up a bit late. But when your fans do show up, appreciate the support and use it to your advantage. Prove to them what you’re able to do.
3. The key to success is 80% diet, 20% exercise. Don’t burn yourself out physically or mentally in the gym right off the bat. It’s not worth it. Get your eating under control first, learn how to treat yourself once a while, and you’ll start seeing changes just from this alone. You’ve got this!
Many thanks to Chris for sharing his inspiring story with us! Got any questions for him? Head on over to the MAN v FAT Forum to pick his brains. If you’ve got a story you’d like to share, don’t forget that we’re always looking for weight loss stories to feature, so get in touch if that’s you!
Chris Pratt weight loss: How did this A-list Amazing Loser lose weight?
Welcome to the first of our new A-list Amazing Losers! When a man in the public eye goes from being chubby to a bonafide heartthrob seemingly overnight, we want to know how they did it. Sure, they might have the kind of help we average Joes can only dream of, but there are still valuable lessons to be learned from their weight loss struggles…
Name: Chris Pratt
Age: 38
Occupation: Actor
Known for: Lead roles in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World franchises, as well as his role as Andy Dwyer in American sitcom Parks and Recreation
Highest weight: 304lbs (21st 10lb) for his role in Delivery Man
Lowest weight: 222lbs (15st 12lb) for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy
Weight lost: 82lbs
Chris Pratt weight loss: how he lost 60lbs
Dinosaur handler, the voice of Lego and now a fully-fledged member of the Avengers: Chris Pratt has had a pretty cool career which has seen him skyrocket to the top of the box office. He became the ultimate leading man in the process – muscular, chiselled and a typical alpha male. Not bad for Parks and Rec‘s loveable old Andy Dwyer.
From the outside, it seems that the Hollywood lifestyle is treating Chris pretty well. But if you delve into his past you’ll soon realise that this A-lister was once a serial yo-yo dieter and stuck in the dark side of celebrity culture that no one really sees, especially with famous men.
Chris has spoken about his weight issues openly, talking about the pressure he feels to stay trim in order to bag big Hollywood roles. 2014 saw him losing 80lbs for his biggest role yet as Peter Quill in Guardians Of The Galaxy, and he’s since managed to keep that weight off.
So how does he do it? Let’s find out…
How did he get to the position where he needed to lose weight?
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in 2014, Chris opens up about the weight issues he battles. He attributes his first real weight gain to his now ex-wife’s cooking, saying ‘Anna’s [Faris, who you might know from Scary Movie] favourite thing to do is fatten me up. It’s like I’m little Hansel and Gretel out in the woods. I swear she’s gonna push me in an oven one day”.
Ah, blaming others – been there, done that. So what made him want to change?
He was cast as Andy in NBC sitcom Parks and Recreation in 2009, with his character described as ‘oaf-ish’. From personal experience, I can tell you that ‘oaf-ish’ is not a word you use to describe a slim man. He played the role well enough to be put forward for the role of Scott Hatteberg in Moneyball, only for director Bennett Miller to tell him he was too fat for the part.
So what did he do? He started working out. “I’d check maybe once a week. I’d say, ‘They cast it yet?’ and I would just keep working out. Finally, I got in good enough shape that I took a picture of myself and sent it to my agent”. He won the role.
That’s some determination.
Yep, and it’s quite admirable. But then he did what a lot of actors have done over the years and gained it all back (and more) for his next role as 280lb alcoholic Cully in 2011’s 10 Years. His next role as a Navy SEAL in Zero Dark Thirty meant shedding the weight again but – keep up – he then piled on the pounds again to play Vince Vaughn’s best friend in Delivery Man.
Er, you weren’t kidding when you said he was a yo-yo dieter.
You can’t say he’s not dedicated to the cause, though. Speaking about his role in Delivery Man, Chris said “I tried to get to 300lbs for that role, but every time I got close I’d take a seven-pound shit. That’s the beauty of gorging yourself – turds the size of my arm!”
That’s certainly one way of looking at it. So when did he become a hunk?
He was put forward for the role of Peter Quill in Guardians of the Galaxy. But director James Gunn wasn’t convinced. “I kept saying, ‘the chubby guy from Parks and Rec? You’ve got to be kidding'” and Chris himself agreed. He thought he was ‘too fat to be a superhero’.
And then he became a ripped heartthrob seemingly overnight. How did he do it?
Chris lost roughly 60lbs in 6 months, which is a lot of weight in such a short timeframe. But once you break it down it does seem a little more manageable – 6 months, or 26 weeks, means that you need to lose 2.3lbs a week on average to match Chris’ total. Which isn’t that crazy when you consider ‘healthy’ weight loss is considered to be at a rate of 2lbs a week.
But he’s a celebrity! He has nutritionists and personal trainers waiting on him hand and foot to make sure he achieves those results.
Well, yes, but I’ve seen average Joes achieve similar results just through having a solid plan and working really bloody hard.
So what was the plan?
A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on
He did P90X, which is a 90-day high-intensity home workout) and he also did a lot of running, swimming and boxing. He even completed a triathlon.
What did he eat?
He follows a low-carb, Paleo-style diet, drinking lots of water on a daily basis. “You have to eat protein,” he says. “You can’t have beer, hash browns, burgers, or anything fried. No carbs. And you have to work out five times a week”.
Six months no beer. #GOTG Kinda douchey to post this but my brother made me.
A post shared by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on
Sounds doable. Ish. Did he miss the hash browns?
Yes, we think so. He took to Instagram to document his new ultra-healthy diet under the hashtag #whatsmysnack. See below.
He was also hit with late night hunger quite a lot, which we can totally relate to.
But in the end, he says losing weight gave him a sense of ‘absolute control’, which is a common theme we see in many weight loss stories.
How has he maintained his weight loss?
According to the man himself, it’s all about balance now. Despite his struggles with yo-yo dieting, he seems to have a pretty healthy outlook.
“My diet is now a bit more relaxed because I’m maintaining and not cutting foods out, so I can mix it up a bit. Although it’s still mostly natural, wholesome foods. It’s really a low-carb, high-protein diet with balance. Fuel your body with good food, and don’t starve yourself.”
Sounds like good, solid advice to me.
Yes, and he’s also said that there’s no ‘Hollywood secret’ to his plan, which means us everyday schmucks can do it too.
He says, “Honestly, there’s no trick or secret to it. It’s about getting after it and being patient and consistent. And it’s not about starving yourself, because you want to give your body proper nutrition. And think about who you want to be in six months or eight months or two years’ time, whatever it is. Start now. Eat right and be active. Time moves along at the same speed if you’re working hard or not.
“If you cut the crap out of your diet and spend an hour a day doing something physical, you’ll feel better mentally, physically and spiritually, because it’s all tied together.”
For more Amazing Loser stories, check out our veritable treasure trove of motivation here.
No-nonsense: Amazing Loser Ian Gilbert
We like this week’s Amazing Loser’s approach to weight loss – no fads, no gimmicks, just a dedication to the cause. He’s tried hard to make it more of a lifestyle change than a diet and it’s definitely paying off, with huge improvements to his health…
Name: Ian Gilbert
Age: 43
Height: 185cm (6ft 1)
Location: Weston-super-Mare
Occupation: Business stream manager
Highest weight: 133.4kg (21st / 294lbs)
Lowest weight: 90.7kg (14st 4lbs / 200lbs)
Weight lost: 42.7kg (6st 10lbs / 94.1lbs)
Why did you need to lose weight?
I had acute hypertension (extremely high blood pressure) and was taking 5 tablets a day. I always felt uncomfortable and was always out of breath.
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
Not that many really, I was always just big Ian to everyone
What made you decide to change?
In a word, health. My doctor had told me that my high blood pressure was a real problem and that if I didn’t take my tablets every day that there was a very real and severe risk of having a stroke. I also always felt tired and lacked the motivation to do anything.
How did you do it?
I followed Roger’s advice. He’s the coach at MAN v FAT Football Weston-super-Mare, and his advice at our registration session was that the simple way to do it is to consume fewer calories than your body burns, which I have done to this day.
I started going to the gym 3 or 4 times a week and the motivation and support from my MAN v FAT Football team really helped. I eat whatever I want as long as its within my calorie target and this has given me the flexibility to succeed, as nothing is off menu.
What made losing weight this time different from the times before?
I feel like I have tried my whole life to lose weight. I have lost a bit here and there but always put it back on quickly. But this time I don’t feel like I’m on a diet, it’s a lifestyle change and calorie counting makes me accountable for what I eat.
How has joining MAN v FAT Football helped you to lose weight?
I really couldn’t have done it, or in fact, wouldn’t have done it without MAN v FAT Football. The weigh-in every week with your team is the key and it’s unmeasurable in how it helps with your will to lose weight every week. It works because it brings a lot of people in the same situation together and helps them succeed through team spirit and having fun. I have made some great mates and if you’re thinking of joining then just do it today, you will love it.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
Everything! Staying in hotels and working late meant I would usually eat on the go in the car and would then eat pub food and beer in the evening. There was a lot of takeaway and fast food.
What do you eat now?
I love chicken and eat lots of it. Generally, I eat a really varied diet and most days have a cooked breakfast but with lean bacon, poached eggs and fruit. I have tried to limit my bread intake and don’t eat any bread after lunch as I find it bloats me.
What was the most difficult thing about losing weight?
I hate to say it, but nothing really. I have actually enjoyed the process and I think that is the key. If I go over my calories I just reduce the next few days to compensate for it, this has been how I’ve kept it enjoyable.
How did you overcome any difficulties?
The WhatsApp group our team has is brilliant. If anyone is struggling someone on there will always support you and be there to give advice or to just banter with you. It really helps. I was so fortunate to be teamed with such a great bunch of guys.
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
My blood pressure is almost back to normal, my sleep apnea has gone and I feel great. I have so much energy, what seemed like a problem before I just take in my stride now.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
Nothing – he wouldn’t have listened. I knew what I was doing. Sometimes things are easier to achieve as a team than on your own, which is why the team element of MAN v FAT Football has worked really well for me.
What three things do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
- You can do it!
- Don’t beat yourself up when you have a bad day, just keep at it.
- Don’t think of it as a diet – it’s a new way of life.
Many thanks to Ian for sharing his story. If you’re intrigued by MAN v FAT Football, you can find out everything you need to know (including how to sign up) over on the MAN v FAT Football website.
The power of saying no: Amazing Loser Josh Deegan
One thing we love from running our MAN v FAT Football leagues is seeing the inspiring progress made by players – even if you have absolutely no intention of ever setting foot on a football pitch, you could learn a thing or two from these guys. This week’s Amazing Loser has lost over 8 stone in ONE year after being overweight all his life and he has some very good advice for those looking to do the same…
Name: Josh Deegan (read his excellent blog over at Josh vs Fat, where he chronicles his weight loss efforts)
Age: 26
Height: 195cm (6ft 3)
Location: Wythenshawe, Manchester
Occupation: Supervisor
Highest weight: 159.2kg (25st 1lbs / 351lbs)
Lowest weight: 106.4kg (16st 10lbs / 234lbs)
Weight lost: 53.1kg (117lb / 8st 5lbs)
How did you get to the position where you needed to lose weight?
I’ve always been fat. Always.
I wish I was overreacting with that answer, but I’m really not – I genuinely cannot remember any time in my life before now where I haven’t been overweight.
Throughout my early life and teens, I was always bigger and taller than my friends and I definitely felt it. At first, it was dismissed as “growth spurts” and “puppy fat”, but while my friends all grew into proportion as they got older, I remained big. At school, I was picked on about my size regularly, and to combat this, when I was just 11 years old, I was made to join Weight Watchers by my mum.
It was excruciatingly embarrassing, not to mention pretty harrowing for a child that age and for that reason and more, I didn’t stick with it for very long. As I got older (and bigger), I ended up trying other methods to try and lose weight, such as weekly check-ups with a nurse and taking up running, but they always ended in failure due to my lack of commitment.
The weight then piled on even more which in turn affected my confidence and to cope with that, I ate. It was quite a vicious circle which reached its head in February 2017, where I found myself, at the age of 25, at a point where enough was enough and I knew deep down that I had to something, otherwise I never would and I’d end up in an early grave.
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
Apart from the obvious and consistent ones that come with being overweight – clothes not fitting, finding physical activity too hard etc., there are two moments that stand out above all else.
The first is from when I was 17. I needed an urgent rhinoplasty to clear a blockage in the airways of my nose, but before doctors could proceed with the operation, I needed a pre-op assessment, which included taking my weight. The nurse was ridiculously horrified when she weighed me that I was so big at such a young age. So much so, that the hospital ended up receiving a complaint from my mum regarding her reaction – it wasn’t exactly comforting for the patient. The actual operation was also difficult because of the weight around my face and when coming around after the procedure, I got the shakes due to a bad reaction t0 the anaesthetic, which really traumatised me.
The second negative experience came while I was in college. I was rewarded for my attendance with an end of term trip to Alton Towers. I’m a massive thrill seeker, and whenever these sort of trips came around, I’d usually end up going off on my own towards all the big rides as my mates wouldn’t want to do them straight away – they’d have to start small and work their way up. However, on this occasion, I didn’t end up on any rides at all as I was asked to leave the first one I tried to get on due to being too big for the safety belt to go over me. I was absolutely mortified and spent the rest of the day walking around the park trying my best to stay occupied, too scared to try my luck on another ride.
But while losing weight, all the memories of the negative experiences of being overweight I’ve ever had over the years, such as this one, have come flooding back and I’ve done my best to try and correct them. The best one by far was going back to Alton Towers last August after dropping 5 stone and getting on that damn ride!
What made you decide to change?
This is a question I’ve been asked a lot. I would say that the biggest catalyst for me actually wanting to lose weight and change my lifestyle was when I turned 25. I remember spending my 25th birthday feeling really low – probably the lowest I’ve ever felt – as I knew that I was now a quarter of the way through my life and I hadn’t really started living it yet. I was nowhere near where I wanted to be in life at this age, and I knew deep down that it was definitely my weight holding me back.
I knew I had to combat it some way, and I knew that if I didn’t do it soon, I never would. I hated the way I looked and felt. I hated the fact that I had to wear massive clothes and I hated the fact that I was finding the simplest of physical tasks hard to do. Family and friends told me on a daily basis that I needed to do something, but their cries just fell on deaf ears. I just carried on eating and getting myself into a bigger state. I was genuinely resigned to always being like this. That was until I found something that has changed my life for the better in so many ways.
How did you do it?
With the help of you guys and your amazing football league! (ed: Aw, shucks! We didn’t pay him to say that. Honest.)
One Sunday evening, I saw an advert on Facebook for the MAN v FAT Football Manchester league. Life well and truly does have a funny way of throwing things your way sometimes when you need them the most. I’d never heard of MAN v FAT until then. I remember looking at the ad, and it showed lads as big as I was at that time playing football. I clicked on it and read what it was all about. Are you a Man? Yes. Want to lose weight? Hell yeah. Want to lose weight whilst also playing football in a specially devised league where how you perform off the pitch affects results on it? “…That’s actually genius!” I thought. So I signed up as a solo player.
It was a massive step for me, as at the time my confidence was absolutely rock bottom and the idea of meeting new people and playing football with them scared the hell out of me. But week-by-week, I’ve gone along, and slowly but surely, I started to notice that the more weight I lost, the fitter I got. It has kick-started a real motivation to really change my lifestyle and start eating better and exercising more. I now religiously walk everywhere, I have weekly sessions with a personal trainer, and I play football twice a week. I really, really enjoy it, too, which is something I never thought would happen.
What made losing weight this time different from the times before?
There are so many things that changed my mindset and made me really want to do well and lose weight. Being among other lads at MAN v FAT Football was a huge game changer. Most diet clubs or weight loss schemes are aimed at women, with very few male members, so to find something specifically for men who all had a common love of football and all had a common desire to lose weight was a brilliant way of overcoming the mental barriers I’d attached to losing weight.
The team aspect helped me a lot too, as each week I would go into it thinking “I don’t want to let my team down here”, knowing that if I put on weight, I’d be punished with an ‘own goal’ but that if I lost, I’d be rewarded with a goal or hat-trick if I’d lost three weeks in a row or hit my 5/10% target. Knowing that could be the difference between winning and losing a game when coupled with the pitch result has really spurred me on during this whole process.
It has 100% kick-started a motivation to get fit and healthy which I never knew I had. I have lost over eight stone in just one year, and I think a lot of that is to do with being given targets to achieve across the season, such as getting 5% and 10% of my body weight off. I found myself going into every week seeing the targets getting closer and closer and the sense of achievement when you hit them is overwhelming. Others suddenly start noticing that you’re looking well and that confidence only makes you want to set more targets in order to achieve more.
Why do you think MAN v FAT Football works?
Men are usually far too embarrassed to attend the mainstream diet clubs as those sort of schemes are usually attended by and more centred towards women, so to use a men-only approach with sport attached is a brilliant way of tapping into the market. For me, knowing that my weight loss contributed towards the team’s goals meant that I never wanted to be the one who let the team down. Everyone in the league encourages each other, whether face to face or through the WhatsApp groups, and there is also plenty of banter involved. Everyone in the league has the same aim – to lose weight – and I think that’s why most people who join end up losing weight.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Football?
Just do it! You’ll be given so much advice, encouragement and motivation and you’ll be made to feel welcome right from the word go. Don’t let your judgement of your footballing ability put you off, either, as you can contribute to the team in other ways through the weight loss side of things. MAN v FAT Football can really change your life, as it has done mine.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
My diet was really inconsistent and my portion control was non-existent. I would usually have a big bowl of sugary cereal to start the day, as well as 2 slices of toast to go with it. Dinner would usually be a fatty sandwich, a packet of crisps, some chocolate and a fizzy drink and tea would be pizzas, takeaways, or cheese-heavy dishes. I never ate fruit or veg and genuinely scoffed at the idea of healthy eating. My biggest downfalls were bread, crisps, cheese and pastries and the number of sugary drinks I consumed was, looking back, quite dangerous.
What do you eat now?
Now, my diet is a world away from what I ate previously. I’ll usually have porridge or 30g sugar-free cereal with 125ml of semi-skimmed milk for breakfast. Dinner is usually a chicken or hoisin duck wrap, with an apple, banana and bottle of water and my evening meals are based around fish or chicken – good sources of protein – with rice or potatoes and lots of veg. I try and make sure I have at least 2 litres of water a day too and if I do have a fizzy drink, I make sure it’s a diet or sugar-free version
What was the most difficult thing about losing weight?
Learning to say no.
No, I don’t want a biscuit with my cup of tea. No, I’ll pass on a bacon sarnie this morning, thanks. You’re nipping to McDonald’s for dinner? I’ll stick to my wrap and water, thanks. No, I’ll stay in this weekend, as I don’t want to drink away my hard work.
At first, it was hard as it seemed that temptation was around every corner, but over time it’s just become easier and easier and now people know either to just not ask or be understandable if I’m apprehensive about maybe going out for a few drinks or for a meal. I’ve been called boring during this process by some of my mates, but upon reaching my target weight, they were full of praise for me and also slightly apologetic for not really understanding my ambition. The support I was shown by my teammates and other members of my MAN v FAT Football league was crucial during these sort of times.
How did you overcome any difficulties?
Just by telling myself that it’ll all be worth it in the end. Every Monday, when seeing that I’d lost weight over the previous week, that made it worth it. When others started to notice, that made it worth it, and upon seeing my target weight on those scales and finally being healthy and happy for the first time ever in my life… That made it so, so worth it.
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
Well I’m totally skint through constantly needing new clothes for a start! In all seriousness, life has changed massively. I’m more confident now, I’m happier, I’m healthier and my outlook on everything is a lot more positive. The dark cloud has been lifted.
Who supported you the most on your journey and how did they help?
I can’t really say that any one person was supportive the most, as on the whole, all of my family and friends have really gotten behind me and supported me with this. I’ve been sure to be pretty vocal, open and honest about being on a weight loss journey and I’ve been sure to share my progress on social media in order to motivate myself and also use it as a tool to maybe inspire others. The comments I’ve been getting across those posts have been really motivating and that has definitely helped me stay focused.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
I think I’d really try my best to make him wake up and see the warning signs, but remembering how I used to be and how set in my ways I was, I think I honestly wouldn’t listen to myself! I’d emphasise just how fun weight loss can actually be though and show him that life really doesn’t have to be the way he’s living it now.
Now that you’ve lost weight, how are you planning on maintaining your weight loss?
I’m just going to take things day-by-day and week-by-week, as I have done throughout the whole weight loss process. I obviously don’t want to end up losing too much weight, so I won’t need to go as hell for leather every week anymore, but I will always be mindful of what I consume from here on out. I actually read an Amazing Loser story on here a while ago where the lad said he gives himself a 4kg leeway – he could go over his target weight by up to 4kg at any one time, but as soon as he went over it he HAD to lose it again. I think that may be a decent method for me to take on, as it’ll mean that, as mentioned above, most weeks I won’t need to go hell for leather to lose weight, but should alarm bells start ringing, I can switch it back to get myself back down.
You’re Prime Minister/President for the day – what law would you bring in to help combat the obesity problem?
I know that it has been suggested that fizzy drinks in the UK should carry a ‘sugar tax’ if their sugary content is deemed too much, so I would aim to make sure that this stretches over to food in some way. I don’t think you can take these sort of things away completely, as people will always want them, and the choice should be free for people to make, but I’d make sure a low sugar or sugar free alternative to most foods and drinks were available and also significantly cheaper than their full fat, full sugar alternative.
What three things do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
- Men love to take the mick out of other men, don’t we? If you’re having a moment of misfortune or you do something silly or make a decision your mates don’t agree with, you can end up the butt of many jokes. So believe me when I say that it takes serious balls and even more dedication to be on a night out and order a Diet Coke instead of a pint or a salad instead of a burger. This is stuff I’ve done and then been the subject of abuse over, but at the end of the day, just remember that you’re not doing this for them, you’re doing it for yourself and your own wellbeing. So bugger ‘em!
- It’s bloody hard. For the reasons listed above and many, many more. You’ll have to make a lot of sacrifices and break habits of a lifetime, but just tell yourself it’ll all be worth it in the end. You might not want to get up early to go to the gym today, but in three months time, you’ll thank yourself for it.
- Talk! To other lads, whether they’re losing weight or not, about your journey. Yes, I’ve said that sometimes my mates can make me the subject of their jokes when I’m trying my damn hardest to be good, but I know that they’re only kidding and more often than not they’ve been hugely supportive of me during my weight loss, spurring me on and wishing me to do well. I was open and honest with them about wanting to lose weight right from the get-go, and this has stood me in good stead.
You’ve been keeping a blog while you’ve been losing weight, how has this helped on your weight loss journey?
I’m a very creative person, and I love to write. I did a degree in comedy writing and performance at Salford University (Unusual, I know!), but hadn’t really written much since graduating, so when the motivation that came with the weight loss was peaking, I decided to get my creative juices flowing again and reignite that love I had of writing to keep track of my progress through means of a blog.
At first, I literally only did it for my own amusement, as a way of keeping myself busy and to look back on once I’d got to where I wanted to be, but after 4 or 5 posts I decided to share it with my MAN v FAT Football league WhatsApp group in the hope it would inspire and motivate some of the lads, and the feedback I had from it was really good. Keeping the blog has been such a good way of writing down feelings or thoughts after a weigh in and game that I’d maybe find hard to say in person. I also decided to share it to give a players view of what MAN v FAT Football can do for someone if they really take it seriously, and I’d like to think that the blog now answers a lot of questions new or even existing players, and men who want to lose weight in general might have about being on a weight loss journey.
Would you recommend that other men losing weight keep a blog? If so, what tips do you have for them?
I would, definitely. As I said, it’s a great way of keeping tabs on how you’re doing and it’s also a lot of fun! The top 3 tips I have are:
- Take lots of progress pictures and celebrate seeing your results. Share it everywhere, as you’ve worked damn hard for that.
- Don’t be afraid to talk about your weight and the issues you’ve faced candidly. Other blokes WILL have the same issues, and although we don’t like to admit it, sometimes talking – or in this case writing about it – can help.
- You don’t need to be technically gifted or have a way with words. A couple of sentences on a Facebook post about how you’ve done that week, or a couple of words attached to a progress pic on Instagram could be all you do, but sharing your progress, I certainly found, is massively important. It’ll motivate and inspire not just yourself, but also others around you, whether they’re losing weight or not.
Many thanks to Josh for sharing his story and a huge well done to him for everything he’s achieved! If you’re intrigued by MAN v FAT Football, you can find out everything you need to know (including how to sign up) over on the MAN v FAT Football website.
Don’t Stop Movin’: Amazing Loser Dave Oh
When you’re overweight, being active can feel like the very last thing you want to do. Being sedentary is so much more appealing when you’re out of breath and red-faced even climbing the stairs. But when you’re bitten by the exercise bug, suddenly getting active is a joyous thing, as this week’s Amazing Loser found out when he joined MAN v FAT Football. Considering he used to be 82lbs heavier, we reckon he’s done a great job of getting fit – and we need a rest just thinking about all the different activities he does…
Name: Dave Oh
Age: 45
Height: 5’11
Location: St Albans, Herts
Occupation: Senior Creative
Highest weight: 118kg (18.5 stone/260lbs) Oct 2017, but my heaviest was 132kg (20.5 stone/291lbs) in May 2010.
Lowest weight: 95kg (14.9 stone/209lbs) (Feb 2018)
Total weight lost: 82lbs
How did you get to the position where you needed to lose weight?
I have always been a ‘big guy’, in my teenage years I used to get called names such as Heavy D, Big D, and fei jay, which means fat boy in Cantonese. I always hated it but I never really managed to control my bad food habits and lack of exercise. I was at my heaviest seven years ago and lost over 32kg, but due to bad diet, consistent lack of exercise and poor excuses, I never maintained the weight and gained it back. I knew this time it had to change.
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
I had high blood pressure, high cholesterol & fatty liver when I was at my heaviest, and my doctor friend told me If did not lose weight I would be dead in 10 years. That was the wake-up call I needed. Apart from health issues, there were plenty of negative experiences such as feeling embarrassed buying extra large clothes that may not fit anyway, feeling conscious about how I looked and the fear of taking up too much room on public transport. Being overweight makes you self-conscious about your own body and you lose confidence in yourself. It really brings down your self-esteem.
What made you decide to change?
It was pretty simple. I have a beautiful wife and two gorgeous young boys who are 7 and 9 years old and I want to be around for them. Being overweight and unfit can lead to so many issues later in life. It was an easy choice to change my lifestyle and take control back of my life.
How did you do it?
I had seen advertisements on Facebook for MAN v FAT Football and I joined the Borehamwood league in October 2017. This kick started my motivation to get back to fitness and I went flat out doing exercise to the extreme. I trained 6 times a week but more importantly, I tracked what I ate in my MAN v FAT Football handbook (Ed – which for those who aren’t MVF Football players, is a very handy 14-week food, exercise and weight tracker)
My training involved regularly doing spin classes, circuit training twice a week, swimming, boxercise, badminton, gym and running 6km from the station to work every day. Weekends are spent running at St Albans’ 5k parkrun on Saturdays and on Sunday I do longer runs around 10k+.
Each person is different but I was very determined to achieve my targets in a short space of time. I made sacrifices in order to achieve my goals and that meant seeing less of my family, but they have been so supportive throughout this journey.
Had you tried to lose weight before? If yes, what made this time different from the times before?
I lost weight in 2010 in a similar way so I knew I could lose weight again, but this time the most important aspect was changing my mindset about my diet and taking control of what I ate plus gaining a deeper understanding of calories.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
My diet was never consistent. I would always have bigger portions as you convince yourself you need it because you’re bigger than normal people. Plus friends would say ‘you eat so little!’ and would give me larger portions. My biggest downfalls were bread, rice, crisps, chips, biscuits, cheese and fizzy drinks – basically all the nice stuff!
What do you eat now?
These days I have completely changed my diet. I cut out carbohydrates and avoided sugary things for the first three months, but have since slowly reintroduced them, but in moderation. If I am hungry in between meals then I will have healthy nuts, rice crackers or fruit. This change of diet is not for everyone but I believe you need to adapt to what your body is telling you.
For breakfast, I have fruit or porridge plus green tea. Lunch is a simple salad with salmon or skinless chicken. I often head to the gym after work so dinner needs to be light, and I’ll have some fruit beforehand. I drink more water during the day and have a one soya latte a week. I’ve also been inspired recently by Tom Kerridge’s Lose Weight for Good TV series, which is all about how low-calorie food can be just as flavoursome.
How has MAN v FAT Football helped you to lose weight?
It kickstarted my motivation to lose weight and get my fitness back. To be able to achieve results in such a short space of time has been fantastic. I hit the 5% and 10% targets and lost weight every week at the weigh-in. When your family and friends start to notice it really does give you confidence and makes you want to set more targets.
Why do you think MAN v FAT Football works?
MAN v FAT Football is a simple concept as most weight loss programs are for mainly for women. Men are usually too embarrassed to attend so football is another way of tapping into the market. Do not be ashamed of your size or age when it comes to MVF Football! Your weight contributes towards your team’s goals and no one wants let each other down. The lads encourage each other, play a game of football and there is great banter. It doesn’t matter if you are not good at football or haven’t played for 20 years – everyone is there to achieve the goal of losing weight.
What would you say to anyone thinking of joining MAN v FAT Football?
Just do it! Everyone taking part in MAN v FAT Football is on a different journey and at different stages of their weight loss but ultimately we are all aiming for the same goal. Change your life now.
What was the most difficult thing about losing weight?
I haven’t had any difficulties really, I set myself attainable targets that required focus and hard work but they were achievable. Like everyone, I indulge sometimes but I tell myself to burn off calories the following day by running or doing a workout.
How did you overcome any difficulties?
I think of my eldest son who has a heart condition and he inspires me because what he has been through – this always keeps me grounded. I just want to do my best for him and my family.
How has life changed now that you’ve lost weight?
I feel confident in myself and have lots of energy. My whole body shape has changed. I now have a 34inch waist and weigh 95kg but hoping to lose another 10kg.
Due to niggling injuries, I stopped playing football at the end of December 2017 but it has helped me regain my love for running – I ran a 5K PB of 25:50 a few weeks ago and have run consistent times at the same pace. I would never have achieved that back in October 2017. It is the best thing in the world when family and friends tell you look great.
Who supported you the most on your journey and how did they help?
There are a lot of people I need to thank on my weight loss journey, but ultimately it is my wife and two sons. They have been part of the journey since day one, encouraging me and making sure my old habits never crept back. My wife makes healthy lunches and dinners which are low in calories, and they sacrifice their time to help me. Also, a big thanks to my Parkrun friends and family and all the trainers at the classes I go to, who have all inspired me. I feel that now it’s my turn to inspire others who are on a similar journey.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
I would tell him to see a doctor or talk to a good friend for advice as soon as possible. It’s the initial step that is the hardest, but it’s never too late to change your lifestyle. Life is too short.
Now that you’ve lost weight, how are you planning on maintaining your weight loss?
I am still running on a regular basis as it’s always a challenge to run faster and longer distances. I’m also keeping up with my spin, boxercise and circuit training classes. It is not sustainable to workout like I did at the start, but I enjoy what I do. Crucially, I am eating a lot better. By being disciplined about food, I am confident in what I eat. I know that it’s okay to indulge once in a while, as I know will burn the calories the next day. I’m still aiming to lose another 10kg but right now I am happy with myself.
ou’re Prime Minister for the day – what laws would you bring in to help combat the obesity problem?
- From an early age, teach children in school how to read and understand the ingredients in processed foods. Processed food is here to stay, but in it lurks the basis to most obesity problems – we eat blindly, not knowing just what we are consuming.
- Teach kids to serve up healthy meals
- A national campaign to target those that are overweight and recommend them see a GP as part of an opt-in scheme to help those who need it
- Make gym memberships more affordable
What three things do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
- Watch what you eat – track your food intake and count the calories. Reduce your portion sizes and eat from a smaller bowl.
- Get active again – if you not done any exercise for a while just take small steps at first.
- Set yourself goals and once you start seeing changes it will make you want to keep losing more weight. Don’t give up!
Huge thanks to Dave for sharing his story – is anyone else thinking Dave for Prime Minister?! Some great tips here. Don’t forget – you can find Dave over on the MAN v FAT Forum if you’ve got any questions for him.
Olympic Heavyweight: Amazing Loser Alex McCann
There’s nothing quite like a special event to make you realise, perhaps a little too late, that it’s time to shape up. We’re pretty vain beings, and no one wants their fat to be immortalised in pictures forever. This is exactly what happened to this week’s Amazing Loser, who should have been riding high after being nominated to be an Olympic torchbearer during the 2012 Olympics, but who was instead fretting about whether he was too fat…
Getting started with weight loss
Want to lose weight but not sure where to start? We’ve all been there. Get all the info you need right here.
MAN v FAT Team Up With The BHF
We’ve teamed up with the British Heart Foundation to support all the great work they do in keeping our hearts healthy. Read more here.
The MAN v FAT Weight Loss Diaries: Valentine’s Day Massacre
Another week of mixed news for our three guys who are giving us the warts and all experience of losing weight in 2023. Spring is just around the corner and our diarists are finding challenges
Do Fat Lads Sweat More?
Full disclosure, this article may have started off as a Google search after a traumatising spin class, but as I read around the topic it struck me that sweating is often presented as a fat-person