In just one season, a north-east team of 17 football friends were able to shed a collective 13 stone.
Last year weight loss club Man V Fat started sessions in Aberdeen, spotting a gap for programmes aimed at men.
The programme combines football with healthy lifestyles – rewarding members for both goals on the pitch and their ongoing weight loss.
Around two-thirds of Scots are overweight or obese, with the north-east sitting above the national average.
So regional north manager Tom Shirley looked to start weekly sessions to combat the issue.
He explained: “We are geared towards helping men because there aren’t many opportunities which men have found particularly engaging.
“If you’re a man above the age of 18 and you’ve got a BMI of 27.5, then we’ll be there for you.
“We’ve had people who’ve never played football before or haven’t played for years.
“You don’t have to be a footballer, you don’t have to be anything in particular, if you want to improve your health then that’s a good space for it.”
Team dynamic helped Ryan lose 25kg in just six months
Of the Aberdeen players, Ryan McKenzie shed the most weight this season, losing 25kg (55lbs) since November.
He was inspired to make a change as he wanted to play football with his son without losing energy.
“I’ve got a young son and it was something to get active with so that I can play football with him and the normal things you want to do with your son.
“I’d get tired pretty quickly and out of breath,” he recalled.
Ryan had attempted to lose weight in the past, but believes football has proven the most effective method.
“I used to try all these diets and all the rest of it, but the football is what I like to do.
“Going every week, if you put on weight then your team will suffer.
“There’s a motivation to keep going for yourself and your team.
“You get bonus goals for the match, if everybody’s lost weight you can end up starting the match two or three goals to the good, so it can make all the difference,” he said.
Benefits of likeminded teammates
Since losing the weight, Ryan has been feeling healthier – physically and psychologically.
“I feel much better with my energy levels,” he added.
“My mind is clearer, I feel more focused and alert.
“We have a WhatsApp group, anybody that’s struggling with something, there’s lots of people in the same boat, it’s quite a good support group,” he added.
This emphasis on socialisation and surrounding yourself with like-minded people is a key part of the Man v Fat mindset.
Tom said: “I think what people enjoy is that some of them didn’t have the opportunity to socialise and all of a sudden they’re in a group of guys in a similar position, with similar goals.
“We’ve got a Facebook page for our community where they can share their stories and what’s happening with them.
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“I think for those who enjoy sport, playing football they can go to places where people in the team are super fit or they’re playing against 17-18 year old lads.
“Obviously there’s nothing wrong with that, but when you’re with people who are quicker or more mobile, it can be a little bit demoralising.
“Whereas, being around like-minded people just gives you much more confidence I think,” he said.
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