Exeter’s MAN v FAT Football club has marked a major milestone in 2024, helping 50 local men collectively lose an impressive 50 stone (700 pounds) of unwanted weight. Meeting every Friday at the Cliff Hill Training Ground, the club combines six-a-side football with lifestyle coaching to support men in achieving sustainable weight loss and improved health.

Among the club’s success stories is Kieran Duke, who has transformed his life through the programme. Starting the year at 17 stone, Kieran has lost 3.5 stone, bringing his weight down to 13.5 stone. Beyond the numbers on the scale, he has gained a renewed sense of confidence, forged new friendships, and improved his mental wellbeing.

“I decided to join MAN v FAT after putting on weight during my final year of university,” Kieran recalls. “I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror, I couldn’t fit into some of my favourite sports tops, and even playing five-a-side football felt like a struggle. I knew I had to take action before things got worse.

Kieran credits the programme with giving him the motivation and structure to turn things around. “MAN v FAT keeps me accountable and has helped me get on top of my eating. I’ve also improved my fitness routine, going from a few casual kickabouts to running regularly and following a structured gym plan.
“The weight loss has massively boosted my mental health. I feel a real sense of achievement and love seeing the difference in myself after a year in the programme – plus, the friends I’ve made along the way have been a huge bonus.”

MAN v FAT was designed to address a growing need for male-focused weight loss support. Open to men with a BMI of 27.5 or higher, the initiative offers an alternative to traditional weight loss classes by incorporating football into its programme.

Players are weighed at the start of each session, followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football. Teams earn extra points for their league standings based on collective weight loss, adding an additional layer of motivation and camaraderie.

Public Health England data published in April 2023 revealed that approximately 62% of adults in Devon are classified as overweight or obese, highlighting the importance of programmes like MAN v FAT.

Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT, praised Kieran’s commitment and the broader impact of the initiative: “Hearing about Kieran’s achievement is incredibly rewarding. He has put in the effort both during sessions and outside of them, and the results speak for themselves.
“His story is one of many across the country, where men join to lose weight and end up gaining much more – from improved mental health to a sense of community and belonging.
“We’re proud of the Exeter club’s success and have spaces for new players. If you’re ready to make a positive lifestyle change in 2025, we’d love to hear from you!”

With over 8,400 participants across 150 clubs in the UK, MAN v FAT has already helped players lose more than 750,000 pounds collectively. The programme offers additional off-the-pitch resources, including healthy meal ideas, fitness tips, and free access to a bespoke mental health platform through its partnership with JAAQ.

Looking ahead, the initiative is set to expand further in 2025 with the launch of 10 rugby-based weight loss clubs. These will follow the same principles as the football programme, blending sport with achievable health and wellbeing goals.

For more information about MAN v FAT Football or to find your nearest club, click here.

Exeter's MAN v FAT Football Programme Achieves Remarkable Weight Loss Success

Source: Exeter Today