A WEIGHT loss programme has helped 370 men tackle obesity and lose over a tonnein a year playing football.

The MAN v FAT league is specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5. The clubs play in Eastbourne, Falmer, Bexhill and Hastings. The programme’s organisers are encouraging men to sign up to the Eastbourne club, which currently has spaces for new players.

It is an FA-affiliated scheme, which has 7,000 players taking part in over 100 clubs across the UK. The programme was created by Andrew Shanahan, who, fed-up with traditional weight loss classes primarily aimed at women, decided to develop a programme that combines the beautiful game with achievable weight loss goals for men.

Before matches, players are weighed, which is followed by a 30-minute game of six-a-side, with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on the amount of weight players have lost. Weight loss and match scores then contribute to teams’ league positions within a club. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.

According to Public Health England, around 62.6% of adults in East Sussex are classified as overweight or obese. 95 per cent of players taking part in the programme in the county lost 5 per cent of their body weight across 2021.

Duncan Ladkin plays at MAN v FAT’s Falmer club and has so far lost three and a half stone – or 15 per cent of his previous bodyweight, with the help of the programme, he explains: “Despite being an avid football fan, actually playing again is not something I thought I’d be able to do but MAN v FAT has really helped with that. The programme gives you focus, encouragement and the camaraderie of a bunch of people all hoping to achieve the same thing, that only a group situation can bring. The focus needed to concentrate on your weight loss is so key, and something that I had always failed on before.Hove's Fatboy Slim celebrates 13 years of being 'sober and clean'

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“When I signed up, I hadn’t played football since I was at school, so around 21 years ago. Back then, I wasn’t very good and was very used to being a substitute or picked last when it came to team selection. I wouldn’t say I’m very good at the football now but playing regularly and making improvements in my fitness has absolutely made me feel much fitter and more able.

“It’s actually fantastic to hear people saying that you’ve lost weight, as is being able to fit in to clothes that you never thought you would be able to wear again!

“So far, I’ve lost just under 22kg (three and a half stone) and like everyone, I tried joining gyms and fad diets but I never stuck with them, but MAN v FAT has worked for me. My next goal is to get down to 99kg so I’m in double figures and then take things from there.

“Joining MAN v FAT really helped to shake the post lockdown habits and get back in to regularly meeting new people. It really helps that everyone at my club is encouraging, friendly and gets why we’re all there - to lose weight, play some football with a bunch of good people and have a bit of a laugh.”

Players can join up at www.manvfat.com/football and they can get more information by calling 0345 163 1042 or emailing football@manvfat.com