Romford Man Loses Nearly Three Stone In Year Through Weekly Football And Lifestyle Coaching.

A Romford man, who has lost over three stone in weight in a year on a local FA-accredited football-based healthy lifestyle programme, says seeing pictures of himself on holiday to revealed how much weigh he had put on over the last few years and persuaded him to sign on with MAN v FAT Romford. 

Jim Neal, 43, started with MAN v FAT in December 2023 weighing just over 14 stones which, he says, is a lot when you’re only 5 foot 8 inches. He is now down to 11 stone 4 pounds and is aiming to reach his four stone weight loss target.

The MAN v FAT Romford club meets every Monday evening at Powerleague Romford on King George Playing Fields. During 2024, a total of 57 players at the Romford club lost a combined 39 stones between them.

“I tried a few things, spinning classes, getting out on the bike but I wasn’t getting the results I wanted and wasn’t as motivated as I would have liked and, as with all things, once the motivation goes, the desire drops off,” explains Jim.

“I had seen adverts for MAN v FAT on Facebook, looked at the website and saw it was just round the corner, but never had the courage to pull the trigger on joining. It took a conversation with my son who convinced me that I had very little to lose – apart from the weight – and if I did it, he’d come and watch on the days I had him. I got myself on the waiting list and then started running again for the first time in over a decade to build up some fitness before I got a place.”

At MAN v FAT Football sessions, players are weighed, before battling it out on the pitch where the results from matches combine with a player’s individual weight loss throughout a week, to contribute to an overall league table. The programme isn’t just about losing weight however, with the men taking part also discovering its mental health benefits, while creating new friendships.

More information about the club can be found here:  manvfatfootball.org/romford

Public Health England (PHE) data published in April 2023 suggests that around 65.8 per cent of adults in the London Borough of Havering are overweight or obese*, above the 64% average for England.

And Jim says taking part has improved his life in many ways:

“I’m motivated in my fitness for the first time in decades. I’ve gone from not being able to run for a minute straight to running 10km and further in a single go.  I currently aim for 30km a week and regularly hit or exceed it.

 The accountability has been key – weighing in in front of my teammates has motivated me to run that extra lap around the park or not eat a second biscuit and seeing that that effort has contributed to a win on and off the pitch is key for me.

Recently had a work mandated physical and the results from that were quite frankly remarkable, my risk of a heart attack. stroke and diabetes have halved, and my BMI has gone from obese to now ideal.”

And it’s being part of a team that is also key:

“There is a camaraderie, everyone is supportive, even if you are on a different team. Whilst everyone wants to win on the pitch, off it people could not be nicer. The only negative is that I’ve had to buy a brand-new wardrobe of clothes.

“It’s also been a massive confidence boost. I have had loads of comments from family, friends, and work colleagues that the weight loss has been stark, and I look better than I have in years.

“I don’t think the mental health benefits can be underplayed either – I have always struggled with my mental health. The exercise has improved this immensely.”

Jim is keen to recommend it to others:

“Getting out to play football again in an encouraging environment that also promotes weight loss has been life changing for me. I honestly can’t wait for Mondays. I have already recommended it to anyone that will listen as I’d like to think I am proof that it can make a big difference.”

Club coach Terry Austin says:

“Most players say that this is the only way they have been successful in losing weight, while also making friends along the way. This is not just a club, or a weekly 5-a-side game, this is a whole community, where players support each with their football, health and lives.”

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. 

 To find your closest club and learn more about the MAN v FAT programme, visit www.manvfat.com/football

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