A football-based weight loss programme has helped 76 men from Buckinghamshire tackle obesity and lose 400 pounds of weight across 2021. And, as 2022 gets into full swing, we’ll be supporting more men in the county than ever!

MAN v FAT Football is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. The club, run by MAN v FAT Football, takes place on Monday evenings at Aylesbury RFC in Brook End, Aylesbury.

A new club has recently launched in Wycombe, and MAN v FAT’s organisers are looking for more local men to sign-up.

Players from certain postcode areas in the county may be able to benefit from a free first 14-week season at both the Aylesbury and Wycombe clubs (subject to a £10 refundable deposit upon completion of the course) funded by Buckinghamshire County Council.

MAN v FAT is an FA-affiliated scheme, which has 7,000 players taking part in over 100 clubs across the UK. The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.

Before matches, players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.

According to NHS Digital data, across 2019-20 there were 6,270 hospital admissions where obesity was a primary or secondary factor in the county.

Public Health England figures show that around two in three adults in Buckinghamshire are overweight or obese.

Karl White, MAN v FAT’s Regional Manager for Buckinghamshire comments: “We are extremely proud of the progress made by our players, coaches and the wider team involved at our Aylesbury club.

“Buckinghamshire County Council has been very supportive of the programme and we are delighted to be able to offer new players funded places, thanks to our partnership with our colleagues at the council.

“Both our new Wycombe and existing Aylesbury clubs have spaces for new players, so if you’re ready to change your lifestyle in 2022, while having fun playing football and making new friends in the process, get in touch!”

Players can join up at www.manvfat.com/football and they can get more information by calling 0333 046 8331 or emailing [email protected]