A FOOTBALL weight loss programme has helped 50 men from the Isle of Wight tackle obesity and lose 425kg of weight so far this year.

The six-a-side football programme, MAN v FAT, aimed at overweight and obese men, takes place at 8pm every Tuesday at The Bay CE School in Sandown.

The Island side has spaces for new places, and its organisers are encouraging more men to get involved.

Before matches, players are weighed before a 30-minute game of six-a-side, and extra goal bonuses are 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.

Isle of Wight County Press: 50 Isle of Wight men have lost 425kg of weight so far this year.50 Isle of Wight men have lost 425kg of weight so far this year.

New players from certain postcode areas on the Island may benefit from a free first 14-week season funded by the Isle of Wight Council, which works in collaboration with MAN v FAT.

Brett O’Harrow, a player at the Island club who has lost 42 pounds (three stone) after ten weeks, said: “The scoring system really motivates you to lose weight because you can gain so many extra goals from weight loss and this can positively affect your team’s standing in the league table.

“There is a real sense of achievement, and everyone is very welcoming.”

Graeme Craig, who coaches the Island team, said: “We’re extremely proud of the crop of players that joined the new club, who are scoring goals on and off the pitch - and who are working hard towards a healthier future for themselves.”

For men on the Island that may not fancy football to lose weight, MAN v FAT also offers a digital programme where weight loss and well-being is supported by weekly nutrition and exercise challenges.

Find out more on the MAN v FAT website, here.