The Hull men's weight-loss football league that is transforming lives

A Hull football club whose goal is to help men lose weight and improve their physical and mental wellbeing is looking to expand its reach in East Yorkshire.

One of Man v Fat Hull’s members who says his life has been transformed by joining the squad has encouraged others to join the “welcoming and positive” league and to help him extend the Man v Fat initiative in the region. Carl-Gareth Norton had his first fleeting experience with Man v Fat Hull last year – he joined in May 2021 but coronavirus then called a halt to any physical involvement.

“The lockdown restrictions prevented any consistency in terms of weight loss; however, I remained involved with the online community,” said Carl-Gareth, who now runs the Man v Fat Hull Instagram account. “I'm a person who's struggled with weight all my life, I've previously completed a full body transformation, losing 130lbs, and experienced the mindset of an obese person who has changed their habits.

“I'm a former rugby league player, am experienced in boxing and passionate about health and fitness - I was a personal trainer for a short while but unfortunately I went through a traumatic period in my life and developed a severe eating disorder, which contributed to me gaining 110lbs and this affected my mental health strongly,” said Carl-Gareth. “Since joining Man v Fat, I have lost four stone. It's not the most impressive loss in our club, or in general, and I have endured setbacks, but it’s the Man v Fat concept that has kept me motivated through times of adversity.

“For example, I currently have damaged ligaments in my ankle. Previously I would have sabotaged myself and developed the bad habits that hinder any progress and lower self-esteem. I love that I have an incentive to