Alex Hammond, a 45-year-old father from Ipswich, Suffolk, has transformed his life by shedding over 8st 7lb (55kg) through an innovative men’s weight-loss football programme. Today, he proudly says the change has given him the best gift of all: the chance to watch his children grow up.
Before his transformation, Hammond weighed 21st 6lb (137kg) and openly admits he was “addicted to food.” Struggling with weight fluctuation for years, he found it easy to lose weight, but nearly impossible to maintain the results. His health was in decline, and he feared a future he might not live to see.
Everything changed in May 2024 when Hammond decided to join MAN v FAT Football, a national programme specifically designed for men with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27.5 or higher. The league combines weekly football games with weight-tracking, awarding teams points not only for their performance on the pitch but also for the pounds lost by their players.
At first, Hammond was hesitant. He had known about MAN v FAT but had always believed he wasn’t good enough at football to participate. It wasn’t until a friend encouraged him to give it a try that he decided to take the plunge.
“I’m a tryer, as they say,” Hammond shared. “Once I did the tester session, I realised it’s not about being the best at football — it’s about the journey, the teamwork, and most of all, the weight loss. That’s the most important thing.”
He admitted feeling nervous on his first day, fearing judgment because of his size and fitness level. However, his fears were quickly erased.
“I was a big lad and I couldn’t play football,” he said, “but I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone was so friendly and supportive. They made me feel like part of the team from the start. It was unbelievable.”
MAN v FAT didn’t just help Hammond lose weight — it gave him a support network of like-minded men. It offered a space where he could be open about his struggles without judgment. That emotional support was just as critical as the physical activity.
Now a changed man, Hammond feels like he has a new lease on life. He’s more active with his children and coaches youth teams at Ipswich Exiles, where he serves as an inspiration for others.
“At my heaviest, I weighed 22st 5lb (143kg), and honestly, I didn’t see myself living past 50,” Hammond said. “I was heading down a path I didn’t think I could reverse. But now, I see a bright future. I’m excited to see my kids grow up, maybe even watch them have kids of their own.”
He plans to stay with MAN v FAT not only to maintain his weight but also to help others on similar journeys. “I want to be a better role model — for my children, and for anyone else who needs hope,” he added.
Hammond’s story shows that it’s never too late to make a change — and that sometimes, the road to health starts with a football and a little support.
