An Edinburgh man has told of his incredible weight loss, after joining a healthy lifestyle programme in the city.
Dean Bowman, 34, shed over 12kg with the help of Man v Fat, a weekly meet-up for amateur footballers that also provides advice and support. Aside from the weight loss, he says the programme has drastically improved his mental wellbeing.
Man v Fat runs over 170 clubs across the UK, after launching in 2018. The Edinburgh club started in 2020, and has welcomed local men ready to make a change in their lifestyle.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live, Dean said: “The realisation that my depression and unhappiness was caused by overeating pushed me to lose weight.
“My life’s solution was always comfort eating to feel happier and I had to finally break the cycle, improve my health and how my life was being affected by being overweight.”
After realising he had to make a change, Dean joined Man v Fat - who meet at 7pm every Thursday at the Peffermill Playing Fields. Aimed at men with a BMI of higher than 27.5, Man v Fat currently has more than 8,500 players taking part across the UK.
Before the games, players are weighed. This is followed by a 30 minute game of six-a-side football, with an extra goal bonus awarded to teams based on weight loss.
Speaking on the benefits of Man v Fat, Dean added: “It kept me on track to focus on better eating and a healthier lifestyle, and using that to contribute to the weekly football games itself with the goal system they use.
“My life has changed massively. I feel better, happier, have more confidence and feel I can venture into other sports and activities I would have previously not had the confidence or opportunity to do.
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“Despite the great support out there, men’s health is still a bit of a taboo subject for some men, especially body image and mental health. If more people join the club, more men get help with improving their health and their lives.”
Off the pitch, players also receive support with creating healthy meal plans and tips on general fitness. Members also get access to The Other Room Virtual Gym, so they can train in their own time at home.
When asked what advice he would have for anyone looking to start a weight loss journey, Dean responded: “There’s nothing to lose apart from the weight itself.
“The confidence and happiness it brings you is second to none, not everyone is a gym goer or can have the time to make healthy food but any weight loss can be achieved by just taking the smallest steps - you just need to take that first step.”
Kris Kumari, who runs the Man v Fat Edinburgh branch, said: “Man v Fat allows men to express themselves, there’s a common goal and a community.
“Players share a journey together. We currently have spaces for new players who may be looking to make a positive change in 2023, and if that's you - come and join us.”
You can find out more about the Man v Fat programme here.
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