With our Amazing Losers game on the horizon, we’re spending the days leading up to kick off meeting the lads who’ll be pulling on the shirts in this year’s game at Walsall FC. It’s Maidenhead as our next destination, as we meet Peter Lomas from the club!
Tell us more about your initial reasons for joining MAN v FAT
Primarily it was to augment my other weight loss efforts, as I was already aware of the programme in a professional capacity. I liked the idea of a programme populated by others with a similar aim, i.e., to lose weight in a supportive and non-judgemental environment. The other aspects of the programme also appealed of course, such as getting back to playing football, as well as the social interaction element of having to get out of the house and make the effort to be active (and accountable!).
If you could go back in time and talk to the version of you at the start of your weight loss efforts, what would you tell them about the changes you’ve experienced?
The change in bank balance by needing to buy new clothes every few months! But jesting aside, the starkest changes have been to my physical health and how that has translated to a significant improvement to my overall wellbeing – medical health markers as well as my own mental health, self-esteem and sense of achievement.
What I would also say is to give myself a break from time to time; there will be ups and downs (on the scales, as well as in life), and to keep in mind that weight loss, wellbeing and improving mental health is a process; by its nature there is no end point. So it is vital to appreciate that ‘the journey’ will always be just that, a journey – to experience, to keep going along and to keep working on. So I would say to take solace in that, and most of all, to enjoy it as it’s worth it.
Who would you like to thank for their help in your progress?
I would like to thank most of all my wife, who has been with me through it all; from my fattest and most unhealthy, to today at my fittest and healthiest. Also, my appreciation and gratitude to my family and my Maidenhead MAN v FAT coaches, teammates and league mates; all have been sources of continual support, inspiration and motivation. Thank you.
What are your future hopes around your health and wellbeing?
The past couple of years have shown me that my health and wellbeing need to be worked on holistically; body and mind together. The physical activity is important, but my experience is that this is just the primer, as my outlook and perception change is the stronger motivator to keep going, to get and stay healthier for my family.
Therefore I want to keep this approach at the forefront of mind – for me, being healthier is not about being thinner, or ego, or vanity. Rather it is about helping to ensure I can stay more active, happy and around for my family and friends for many more years to come.
How much are you looking forward to the game in May?
Very much so! Hopefully I can do my family and MAN v FAT Maidenhead proud.
