A NEW football weight loss club that has helped men across the country lose over 300,000 pounds, is set to kick off on the Isle of Wight.

The six-a-side football programme has already helped over 6,000 men across the UK tackle obesity and will seek to tackle the Island from January 2022.

Organised by MAN v FAT Football, six-a-side football clubs will take place on Tuesday evenings at The Bay CE School on Sandown Fairway.

Some places funded by the Isle of Wight Council are available.

The football clubs are specifically aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI higher than 27.5.

On the Isle of Wight, 62.3 per cent of adults – and 68 per cent of men - are either overweight or obese, which could equate to as many as 35,500 men across the Island.

MAN v FAT, an FA-affiliated scheme, currently has 6,000 players taking part in over 100 clubs 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 around 317,000 pounds.

Before matches, players are weighed, 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.

Weight loss and match scores contribute to teams’ league positions within a club.

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

Richard Crick, Head of MAN v FAT Football, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our programme to the Isle of Wight following many successful years of helping men lose weight and improve their lifestyle elsewhere in the country.

“We can’t wait to get started.

“MAN v FAT isn’t just about losing weight, it's about enjoying sport in a friendly environment, learning about healthy lifestyle and diet – while making new friends.”

Players can join up at www.manvfat.com/football, and they can get more information by calling 0345 163 1042 or emailing football@manvfat.com.