If you’ve ever contacted the MAN v FAT Player Support Team, the odds are high that you will have spoken to this week’s Amazing Loser Roman. He’s also one-third of the MAN v FAT Podcast team and MAN v FAT Football coach for the Bolton club. He’s also been there and done it himself, losing weight and having previously been a MAN v FAT Football player. In short, he’s a bit of a MAN v FAT legend.
Name: Roman Conrad
Age: 36
Height: 5’10
Location: Stockport
Occupation: MAN v FAT Player Support Officer
Highest weight: 120kg (18st 12.6lbs, 265lbs)
Current weight: 103.5kg (16st 3.1lbs, 227lbs)
Weight lost: 16.5kg (2st 8.4lbs, 36.4lbs)
How did you get to the position where you needed to lose weight?
I was a yo-yo dieter, I’d lose and put on lose and put on again. The last time it happened I lost 2.5 stone and then put on 5, that’s when I knew I needed to start getting my act together
What negative experiences did you have of being overweight?
The way people treated me. I lived up to the stereotypical clown of the group, the fat one, the joker. My health often became an issue too.
What made you decide to change?
I was sick of being poked fun at and I was sick of not being as fit as I once was. I’d just come back from travelling, and decided that was the perfect time.
What did you do to lose weight?
I went back to the gym and decided to batch cook meals. I joined MAN v FAT Challenge because of lockdown and I needed something to stop my weight ballooning. It keeps me active, and keeps my mind from straying too much – it definitely keeps you aware and accountable for your lifestyle. It makes you a better cook and more open-minded about healthy foods too!
Had you tried to lose weight before?
Yes, but when I’d lost weight before I had a goal in mind, mainly sports tournaments, but this time there was none of that.
What did you eat before you lost weight?
Large portions and bottles of red wine were a common consumption over a weekend.
What do you eat now?
Overnight oats, a large salad or 2 small wraps for lunch and a portioned meal making sure it contains veg and protein.
What has been the most difficult thing about losing weight?
Trying to get out of the lockdown mentality and using it as the excuse to why I’m not losing weight when I felt like I should be seeing it as a challenge that won’t defeat me.
To get over this, I tried to wake up every day giving myself two small, achievable goals so that I could say “today – lockdown 0 Roman 1”
Time for a shout-out! Who has helped you on your weight loss journey?
Dave Perry, that guy’s activity drive is amazing. Dom Findlow, that guy knows no boundaries (check out his Amazing Loser story here), and the rest of the team have all kept me on my toes and kept me focused with my weight loss.
If you could go back to the person you were at your heaviest, what would you say to him?
“PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN” in the best Arnold impression I can do!
If I’m honest I would say, have a look at who you are and where you want to be, you’re young and this is the time to achieve – so do everything possible to make that happen, and anyone who tempts you from it, tell them to go fuck themselves.
What are your next steps now that you’ve lost weight?
I’m going to keep going and try and lose more. I’m not happy with my weight yet, so I’ll keep going to get to 90kg.
You’re Prime Minister for the day – what would you do to help combat the obesity crisis?
In a nutshell, create a system that makes the UK one of the leading healthiest countries in the world both mentally and physically. And yes I would abuse my power.
What do other fat men need to know about losing weight?
Once you lose it, keep it off.
Weight fluctuates so set a long term goal.
You can do it without giving up anything.
