Here at MAN v FAT, we LOVE hearing about the success stories from around our community.
There are some remarkable tales of weight loss up and down the UK in MAN v FAT and, on this occasion, we head to our vibrant MAN v FAT Watford club to speak to Rob Walsh.
Rob finished season 9 in MAN v FAT Watford in the top scorer position. Within a short time has lost over 14KG, hit 10% loss milestone and is on his way to achieve 15% and join the maintenance BMI group.
We took some time to get the lowdown on his experience at MAN v FAT.
What was life like before MAN v FAT?
Pretty inactive. Like many people, I gained weight during the COVID lockdowns in 2020 and 2021. Post-lockdown, I tried various sports in London but they were poorly organised, so I didn’t stick with them. My fitness didn’t improve at all – in fact, it got worse!
I joined MAN v FAT in early 2022 at the Westminster club in London. Now I’m at the Watford club, and it’s been an incredible experience so far.
How did you find out about MAN v FAT, and how did you feel before joining?
I discovered MAN v FAT through an Instagram ad. At that time, I was at my heaviest and feeling very self-conscious. It felt like the universe was giving me a sign to kick-start my fitness journey properly.
In what ways has the club, coach, and players helped on your weight loss journey?
Accountability, support, competition, and most importantly – fun.
What has been the biggest change since you started?
My wardrobe! The MAN v FAT monthly subscription is absolutely worth it, but you’ve cost me hundreds of pounds in new clothes!
What has helped you stay accountable and lose weight every week?
Discipline over motivation. Motivation is great, but it only takes you so far. Week after week, I’ve done things that I really couldn’t be bothered to do. I’ve had to teach myself not to give in to instant gratification.
However, the most instrumental factor in my weight loss journey has been CICO (Calories In, Calories Out). I track and weigh all my calories, so I know exactly what I’m giving my body. I can tell whether I’ll be up or down in weight just by looking at the numbers.
It also gives me peace of mind when I eat something we’re typically told to feel guilty about because I can fit it into my calorie budget.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to join?
First of all – just do it and join! It’s a group of lads all in the same boat, sharing a love of football (and food!).
Don’t personify your body. Your body is a machine, and the fuel you give it is what it uses to function. If you give it too much, it has to do something with the excess fuel. If you give it too little, it won’t function properly. Find the balance that works for you and find a way to celebrate your body, not ridicule it.
Lastly, track your calories. Use a TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) calculator, which will tell you how many calories you burn each day based on your activity level. Subtract 250-500 calories from that, and you’ll achieve steady weight loss.
If you’re looking for a fun way to lose weight, build discipline, and enjoy football, this is the place to be. You won’t regret it!