A community initiative by Exeter City Football Club is transforming lives as men in Devon tackle weight loss through weekly football matches. The program, designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 or higher, has seen remarkable success, with participants losing significant amounts of weight while enjoying the sport.
One participant, Kieran Duke, 28, from Exeter, joined the program in 2024 after gaining weight during his final year of university. Initially weighing 17 stone (107.9 kg), Duke has lost just over 20% of his body weight, equating to 3.5 stone (22.2 kg). He highlights the supportive environment within the program, where players weigh in before each match to track their progress and cheer each other's achievements.
The initiative features 30-minute six-a-side football matches, fostering camaraderie among participants as they pursue their weight loss goals together. "When someone loses as little as 0.2kg it gives everyone a real boost and everyone cheers each other on and motivates one another," Duke remarked, emphasizing the collective spirit of the group.
Another participant, Thomas Stevens, has experienced a significant change in his life since joining the program. He has lost 5.5 stone (34.9 kg) and acknowledges that he was not happy with himself before participating. "Losing weight has made a big difference to my life," Stevens stated, noting the positive impact on his overall well-being.
Ethan Chalk, another member of the program, believes the shared achievements provide motivation and encouragement to others. "There are so many different goals and targets that each guy makes but they are all trying to accomplish the same thing," he explained. This sense of purpose unites the players in their journey towards better health.
Participants have reported improvements beyond weight loss. One individual noted, "My partner has noticed a difference in me being generally happier about myself and that transfers into day-to-day life." This sentiment reflects how the program not only promotes physical health but also boosts mental well-being.
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