A Sandown man who has lost nearly 6.5 stone after joining a football-based weight loss programme says it has transformed both his physical and mental health.
Robert Tiller joined the MAN v FAT Football programme in Sandown when his weight had reached almost 19 stone (120kg).
The initiative, which is funded by the Isle of Wight Council through its Gloji Isle of Wight weight loss service, is designed for men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 27.5.
Players attend weekly sessions combining weigh-ins with 28-minute small-sided football matches, with teams earning points through both goals scored and collective weight loss.
Reflecting on his decision to sign up, Robert said he knew he needed to make a change after previous attempts at dieting had failed.
Robert said:
“I knew I needed to do something. I’d tried dieting in the past, but after a few weeks or months I fell back into bad habits, and before I knew it, I was putting back on the weight I had lost.
Article continues below this advertisement “At the beginning of my MAN v FAT journey, I was losing weight here and gaining weight there without making any great inroads. But in the last 8 months I’ve been able to stay consistent and disciplined and, with the support of my coaches and club mates as well as my friends and family, I’ve been able to lose nearly 6 and a half stone, and I feel so much happier and healthier for it.”
Robert said the programme has also had a significant impact on his mental wellbeing.
He added:
“In the past my mental health hasn’t always been the greatest, but being a part of such a large group of people, who are all there for the same reason, has been fantastic for me.
“I’ve made a lot of friends, and we have a great community spirit in the club.
“We’ve set up events on non-MAN v FAT nights to play different sports like squash and have done workout sessions as well to improve strength and fitness away from the pitch. Being a part of MAN v FAT has improved my physical and mental health greatly.”
Encouraging others to consider joining, Robert praised the support available through the Sandown club.
He said:
“I feel very lucky to have been able to join an incredible club in Sandown. Our coach Colin and our assistant coaches Rich and Kev are extremely encouraging. They’re more than happy to give tips and advice to make better choices and changes to our lifestyle to get the most out of our MAN v FAT journeys.
“The whole club has a fantastic bunch of guys who are supportive of one another and made me feel welcome and part of the club from day one.”
MAN v FAT Football has clubs in both Sandown and Cowes and is one of several weight management services available through Gloji Isle of Wight. Other options include the Gloji digital weight loss programme, Slimming World and a 12-week netball exercise programme at Ryde School.
The Sandown sessions take place every Tuesday at 19:30 at The Bay CE High School, while the Cowes club meets every Friday at 18:30 at Cowes Enterprise College.
There are currently more than 8,000 players across over 160 MAN v FAT Football and Rugby clubs in the UK, with participants collectively losing more than 78,000 stone.
Alongside football sessions, members receive nutritional guidance, fitness support and free access to a dedicated mental health platform.
