A Poole football club has helped 67 men lose over 21 stone in 12 months.
The MAN v FAT Football club meets every Monday evening in Hamworthy.
MAN v FAT is a weight loss initiative that aims to help overweight and obese men with a BMI of over 27.5 lose unwanted weight through weekly football and lifestyle coaching sessions.
At sessions, players are weighed, followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss.
A team’s total weight loss and match scores then contribute to its position within a club’s overall league table.
Public Health England data published in April 2023 suggests that around 65.4 per cent of adults in Dorset are overweight or obese.
Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT, said: “The guys at our Poole club have been drawn to our programme through a love of football and being part of a team.
“What they gone on to achieve both individually and as a key part of the club we have in Poole is fantastic.
“MAN v FAT players regularly tell us about improving their mental health through the programme, not just as a result of weight loss – but due to the sense of belonging, community and collaboration that team sports can bring.
“Our Poole club has spaces for new players, so if you’re looking to make a positive change to your lifestyle in 2025, get in touch!”
8,500 men currently take part at more than 150 MAN v FAT football clubs across the UK.
The programme was created to differ from traditional weight loss classes and combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.
The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 750,000 pounds.
In addition to football sessions, MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.
Players also get free access to a bespoke mental health platform through MAN v FAT partners JAAQ.