Watford Man v Fat initiative helps men lose over 350 pounds

The West Herts Sports Club initiative combines weekly football games with lifestyle coaching to support overweight men with a BMI of over 27.5.

Among the club's success stories is Chris Dixon, who has lost nine stone through the programme. He said: "I was fed up with being old and fat, and decided I just wanted to be old instead.

"I have always loved playing football, so MAN v FAT was the perfect way to try and lose weight."

Mr Dixon has earned a spot on MAN v FAT’s "Amazing Losers" team, set to play at Leyton Orient’s Brisbane Road.

Left: Chris Dixon before joining the initiative. Right: Chris Dixon after losing nine stone. (Image: Astute/Chris Dixon) He added that the weekly weigh-in keeps participants mindful of their food intake, while the club's camaraderie is "awesome," and has helped him make new friends.

Dixon, who has started playing 11-a-side football again in his 50s, describes himself as "a bit of a fitness freak now."

He also credits MAN v FAT for helping him overcome past issues with alcohol.

MAN v FAT, which has 8,500 members in 150 clubs across the UK, aims to differ from traditional weight loss classes by combining football with realistic weight loss goals.

The total weight loss by MAN v FAT players in the UK currently stands at more than 800,000 pounds.