Football Fans in Training

About

About Obesity and its associated health risks are a major public health problem, with male obesity levels in the UK among the highest in Europe. In the UK alone, obesity will cause hundreds of thousands more cases of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer, with related medical costs set to increase by £1.9-2 billion a year by 2030. In Scotland only 10-30% of people attending weight management services are male. The University of Glasgow’s Football Fans in Training (FFIT) is an innovative collaboration between academics, Scotland’s top football clubs and the Scottish Professional Football League Trust. FFIT delivers gender-sensitised weight loss and healthy living programmes to overweight and obese men aged 35-65 at their favourite football clubs. Since September 2010, more than 2,500 men have already taken part – successfully losing weight, becoming more active and eating a healthier diet.   Key Benefits FFIT harnesses the loyalty and attachment many men feel to their football club to overcome the challenge of motivating this hard-to-reach group Evaluation showed that men who took part in the programme lost 9 times as much weight as those who didn't. 12 months after baseline measures, nearly 40% of participants lost 5% of their baseline bodyweight. Men on the programme also benefited from reductions in blood pressure, reduced waist circumference, and increased physical activity.   Applications Football Fans in Training is available for those who wish to run this training programme.   IP Status This technology is available as an Easy Access licence deal to organisation and individuals.