MAN v FAT prides itself on providing a warm and welcoming environment for men who are looking to lose weight and improve their general wellbeing.
An introduction from a friend who was already participating in MAN v FAT came at an important time for MAN v FAT Rochdale member Todd Payne and he has since gone on to lose over 25% of his body weight – nearly 40kg – with the programme.
Reflecting on how his weight loss journey got started, he said: “I started my weight loss journey in September 2024, when I was 167kg, massively depressed and unhealthy. Unfortunately, one of my friends took his own life, and I suppose that really put things into perspective that I couldn’t go on being so miserable all the time, and I knew a key factor in this was my weight.
“Around the same time, I’d moved back to the village I grew up in and saw an old friend (and mutual friend of the chap who had passed away) who mentioned MAN v FAT, how he was doing great with his own weight loss and mental health because of this community of like-minded individuals all playing football. The friend in topic here is Elliot Leach, who is actually assistant coach at MAN v FAT Rochdale club, and whilst I’ll never truly admit it, he has been instrumental to all of my success.”
Losing that weight has transformed Todd’s physical activity and, as well as his MAN v FAT sessions, he’s now active across a range of different sports and events. And that desire to compete has been fired up by his time with his Rochdale clubmates.
He added: “Since then, I’ve reduced my weight to 109kg, completed 2 x 10km races, the Manchester half marathon in May, 2 x DEKA Fit (Hybrid events) and a Hyrox booked for October, plus a full marathon for April next year.
“Playing with MAN v FAT keeps me accountable, as a competitive person and someone who leads a sales team in their day job, being part of that team mentality is second nature to me, but it also keeps me motivated. Helping others and them helping me too, the challenges we all complete together, and then playing football on a Monday – it all adds up.
“I’m not the most sociable of people and tend to focus on career over everything but Mondays are my evenings where I can be with my friends, have a laugh, and all encourage one another to lose weight.
“Again, it’s helped with me not being so sociable and I’ve always had very few friends, but this has been a great way of meeting new people, and some of my closest friends have been made through MAN v FAT.
“In terms of my everyday life, MAN v FAT has had a huge impact. It’s because of this that I track my food so accurately, and because of the team and “wanting to win” that I’m so strict.
“The main reason for me starting running was purely so I could keep up on the pitch, and with my fitness being of such a level now, Monday football now counts as my rest day!”
Want to join Todd in action?
If you’re ken to get started, then Rochdale is one of several clubs across the Greater Manchester area! Take a look at www.manvfatfootball.com for more details.
