Paisley dad reveals secret behind 4.5 stone weight loss

Andrew Murray shed the weight with the assistance of the MAN V FAT Football club, which meets every Wednesday at Powerleague Paisley.

The initiative aims to help overweight and obese men with a BMI of more than 27.5 lose unwanted weight through weekly football and lifestyle coaching sessions.

Andrew Murray has lost 4.5 stone over the past year (Image: Newsquest) Andrew from Paisley said: “It was around Christmas time in 2023 that I decided I needed to make some changes to my lifestyle.

“I was struggling to walk any distance without getting breathless, my blood pressure and cholesterol were high, and I was concerned I wouldn't be able to keep up with my children.

“I remember going on holiday and the plane seatbelt only just fit me when I was breathing in.

"Looking back at those pictures, I realised something had to change."

Andrew was concerned he would not be able to keep up with his children (Image: Supplied) At the sessions the players are weighed before taking on a 30-minute game of six-a-side football with extra goal bonuses awarded to teams based on their weight loss.

A team’s total weight loss and match scores then contribute to its position within a club’s overall league table.

In addition to football sessions, MAN v FAT players also receive off-the-pitch support including healthy meal recipe ideas and tips on general fitness.

“A friend had mentioned MAN v FAT Football to me before, so I thought I would give it a go," explained Andrew.

"It turned out to be the best New Year’s resolution that I have made in a long time.

“The coach Kenny and the lads at Paisley are great.

"They’re very supportive and encouraging regardless of your weight."

The Paisley club, which is one of 150 across the UK, says it helped 40 local men lose more than 400 pounds of excess weight in 2024.

The Paisley club is one of 150 across the UK (Image: Supplied) “The challenges helped push me on every week and the accountability of weighing-in means you don't want to let yourself and your teammates down each," added Andrew.

“MAN v FAT has been a huge turning point in my life this year and has helped me create a better lifestyle and habits.

“I now exercise more regularly and have joined an 11-a-side football team for the first time in 20 years.

“I track my food intake and have become much more aware of what foods I should be eating, creating a much more balanced lifestyle.”