Sandown Man Says Football Weight Loss Programme Has Transformed His Physical And Mental Health

A Sandown man who has lost almost six-and-a-half stone through a local football-based weight loss programme says it has transformed his life, improving both his physical and mental wellbeing.

Robert Tiller joined the MAN v FAT Football club in Sandown when his weight reached almost 19 stone (120kg), having struggled to maintain weight loss through traditional dieting.

The programme, which is funded locally through Isle of Wight Council's Gloji Isle of Wight weight loss service, is designed for men with a BMI over 27.5.

Weekly sessions combine weigh-ins with small-sided football matches, with league standings based on both goals scored and collective weight loss.

Reflecting on his journey, 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.

"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 eight 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 six and a half stone, and I feel so much happier and healthier for it."

Robert says the benefits have gone far beyond the number on the scales.

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 sessions away from the pitch.

"Being a part of MAN v FAT has improved my physical and mental health greatly."

He is now encouraging other men who may be struggling with their weight to give the programme a try.

"I feel very lucky to have been able to join an incredible club in Sandown," he said.

"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 is one of several weight loss services available through Gloji Isle of Wight.

Other options include the Gloji digital weight loss programme with optional telephone support, Slimming World, and a 12-week netball exercise programme at Ryde School.

The Sandown MAN v FAT club meets every Tuesday from 7.30pm at The Bay CE High School on The Fairway, while the Cowes club takes place every Friday from 6.30pm at Cowes Enterprise College.

There are now more than 8,000 players across more than 160 MAN v FAT Football and Rugby clubs nationwide, with members collectively losing over 78,000 stone.

Alongside weekly football sessions, players also receive healthy recipe ideas, fitness advice and free access to a dedicated mental health platform.