A FOOTBALL programme which has helped more than 15,000 men tackle obesity has kicked off in Weymouth.

The club, which is aimed at overweight and obese men with a BMI of higher than 27.5 and organised by Man v Fat Football, has been running across the country for around six years and has taken off in Weymouth running from Redlands sports centre every Monday.

On Monday, June 13, they were joined by Weymouth town council deputy Mayor Cllr Tia Roos, and Dorset Councillor Louie O'Leary to celebrate their end of season trophy presentation following a win over Yeovil's team on the Sunday.

Over 14 weeks the Weymouth team collectively lost a whopping total of 239kg in weight.

Coach Kev Ayling described the game in three words "big sweaty fun" and he was proud to award more than 10 certificates to players who have lost as much as 15 per cent of their total body weight.

Cllr Roos said of the project: "Man v Fat is a football initiative created to help support men in their physical health but it also has a really positive impact on their overall wellbeing. They support each other as a team in losing weight and playing football as a motivation.

"It helps open the floor to men talking as well as team building and achievement and of c course weight loss. Great stuff and available across Dorset and in Weymouth."

Cllr O'Leary said: "Although I'm more a rugby man myself these fellas have done a tremendous job and should be very proud of their achievements. Initiatives like this are vital and also on another note support venues such as Redlands as well as those who take part".

Local resident Joe Sewell who takes part and has lost over 10 per cent of his body weight said: "Man vs Fat Weymouth has been an amazing journey for me, I've met new people that have turned into friends, the goal is losing weight but its proved great for mental health and wellbeing also."