Torbay's weight loss football is a winner in the battle against the bulge

Overweight men in Torbay have fought the flab and scored a resounding victory - by playing footie.

Fitness focused footballers have shed more than 300 pounds of unhealthy weight in 12 months with help from 'MAN v FAT' healthy lifestyle programme.

A Torbay football club that encourages overweight and obese men to get fit and adopt healthy lifestyle choices has the helped 24 local men lose almost 304 pounds (137.8 kg) in excess weight in the last year.

MAN v FAT Torbay has been taking place every Tuesday evening at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton.

Public Health England data published in April 2023 suggested that around 69 per cent of adults in Torbay are overweight or obese, which could equate to as many as 28,500 adults in the resort.

Recent research from the National Food Strategy review estimates that every unit of body mass index put on by every individual raises the UK’s annual healthcare costs by £16.

MAN v FAT Football currently has 8,200 players taking part in more than 150 leagues across the UK. The programme was designed to combine 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 650,000 pounds. It is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5.

Before matches, players are weighed, this is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side football, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss. Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club.

Torbay MAN v FAT coach Glenn Wood says: "One big area from which the guys benefit is the camaraderie within the club. It’s very friendly, there’s lots of good banter. I think, for the most part, it really is about more than just losing weight, though we all really enjoy other guys’ weight loss successes.”

Now the club is looking towards further growth. Glenn says: "Our aim is to grow and get back to having four teams. The guys like playing two matches each week rather than just one.

"We are ready to take on more players and improve the lives of more men in Torbay.”

MAN v FAT Football Head of Football, Richard Crick, says: “We’re so proud of the progress made by the players and the wider team at our Torbay club. The men involved are genuinely changing their lives for the better by improving their physical and mental health, while making new friends and having fun in the process.

"While weight loss is the key goal for players, the programme is perfect for men who want to get back into playing football after time away from the game and improve their fitness gradually, without the stress of getting a group together and booking pitches.

"We’re looking for new players to join the Torbay club, so if you think MAN v FAT might be for you, get in touch.”

MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. Players also get full access to MAN v FAT online gym, so they can train in their own time at home.

If you would like to have a go more information can be found here: manvfatfootball.org/Torbay