A football league aimed at helping men tackle their weight issues is being launched in Norwich.
Man V Fat Football takes place over a 14-week period and combines the beautiful game with dietary and lifestyle advice.
The league, which is being launched in Norwich in January 2018, is aimed at overweight and obese men, and has been endorsed by the Football Association.
Before each game, a weigh-in takes place followed by a 30-minute six-a-side football match.
Players can earn extra goal bonuses for their team depending on the number of pounds lost, putting the emphasis on teamwork.
The final result of each match consists of the score on the pitch and the score from the scales.
It is said to be a successful weight-loss scheme which has seen 95pc of players lose weight over the 14-week period.
The league was set up by Andrew Shanahan - who himself lost five stone - as he was fed-up with weight-loss classes just for women.
He said: 'Our players have lost more than 40 tonnes in weight in 2017 and we know that we're going to smash that in 2018 with the addition of leagues like the one here in Norwich.'
Chris Fenton joined MAN v FAT Football in January and has shed more than five stone in weight. He said: 'MAN V FAT Football gave me a kick up the behind and made me realise how bad my health was.
'I now have a focus and the desire to lose weight and as the weeks go on I feel better about myself. I have more energy and for the first time I'm able to play with my kids without getting tired. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and would recommend it to any man.'
Andy Dyke, national participation manager of recreational football at the FA, said: 'MAN v FAT Football is a brilliant initiative for anyone who wants to address their weight and start working their way back into playing football.
'The results of the leagues are extremely impressive.'
MAN v FAT Football Norwich will take place at the Norwich Foundation with a game every week for the following 14 weeks. Participation costs for this league have been subsidised so the only thing to lose is weight.
Visit www.manvfat.com/football
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