Why did you join MAN v FAT in the first place?
I joined MAN v FAT because I knew I needed to do something about my weight, but I wanted to find something I could actually stick with. I’d tried losing weight before and always struggled to keep the motivation going. The football was a big attraction for me because it made it more enjoyable and gave me something to look forward to each week. It didn’t just feel like I was going on another diet.
What have been the best and hardest bits of your efforts to get to BMI Boss status?
The best bit has definitely been seeing how much I’ve changed. When you’re losing weight week by week, you don’t always notice it yourself, but looking back and seeing how far I’ve come is a great feeling.
The hardest part has probably been those weeks where the scales don’t move, or even go the wrong way. It can be frustrating when you feel like you’ve put the effort in. But having the football and the group around me has helped me keep going rather than thinking, “What’s the point?”
What are the biggest benefits you’re now feeling from being at a healthy weight?
I just feel so much better in myself. I’ve got more energy, I’m more comfortable doing things and I feel a lot more confident. Things that used to be hard work are just easier now.
There’s also the mental side of it. Getting to this point has given me a real sense of achievement. It’s nice to look back and think, “I actually did that.”
How important has the MAN v FAT community been in getting you to this stage – and keeping you there?
It’s been really important. The football obviously gives you the motivation to turn up, but it’s the people that make MAN v FAT what it is. Everyone gets what you’re going through because they’re all trying to make changes themselves.
There’s always someone there to give you a bit of encouragement, have a laugh with you or pick you up when you’ve had a bad week. I think having that support and accountability has made a massive difference, and it’s something I’ll need to keep me on track now as well.
