A Macclesfield man who has lost almost 15% of his body weight on a local FA-accredited football weight loss programme is urging others to follow suit.

Wes Larner, who is a member of the Macclesfield MAN v FAT Club, has always struggled with his weight.

The 43-year-old had tried so many weight loss programmes and always put the weight back on.

But he says MAN v FAT feels different and that "you almost don't notice you're on a weight loss journey at all". 

The matches take place every week at Lifestyle Fitness in Macclesfield. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

In fact, the Maxonian will shortly be relocating down to Wiltshire for a new job for a pet food and animal feeds company, and has already been in contact with the Bath league so he can continue his MAN v FAT journey.

MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has 8,000 players taking part in nearly 160 leagues 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.

The total amount of weight lost by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 550,000lbs. It is aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5.

Before matches, the 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. Players receive additional support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness. 

The current league table for the local weightless group.

"I started in October 2022, weighing 116.8kg, nearly 18.5 stones" explains Wes.

"Last week I was exactly 100kg, just over 15.5 stones and just 1.3kg off my 15% body weight loss target. I feel so much better and it's improving my fitness all the time. I remember the first session and I could barely run! 

I would urge anyone that has even remotely considered to join up. Before I joined, I saw an advert on Facebook but was so apprehensive about signing up, so I just didn't do anything for a few months. When I eventually plucked up the courage to sign up, I was made to feel so welcome from the outset. I was allocated a team within a few days then straight into the WhatsApp group." 

There are currently 28 players in the Macclesfield club with a combined weight loss so far this year of just almost 21.5 stones (135.9kg kg).

Macclesfield MAT vs FAT Club play footie every Thursday at Lifestyle Fitness, Park Lane, Macclesfield, SK11 8LF.

It costs £31 a month to become a member.

More information can be found at www.manvfatfootball.org/macclesfield

See Also: New gym refurbishments complete at Macclesfield College

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