Understanding the Impact of a Team-Based Sport Weight Loss Intervention on Men’s Health: Evaluation of MAN v FAT

Men’s health is a major public health concern in the UK, with mental and physical health challenges disproportionately affecting men. Around 74% of all suicide deaths are among men, and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men aged 20-49. Yet only 36% of referrals to mental health services are male - reflecting men’s lower engagement with traditional forms of support (e.g., psychotherapy, medication).

Barriers include stigma, traditional gender roles, societal expectations, and discrepancies between existing services and men’s preferences. Physical health is another concern: in 2022/2023, 69.1% of men aged 18 and over in England were classified as overweight or obesity. While excess weight does not directly cause mental ill-health, it can contribute to low mood, reduced self-esteem, and social isolation, all of which can affect psychological well-being.

Despite these overlapping challenges, few interventions are designed specifically for men, and even fewer target mental and physical health together. There is growing recognition of the need for gender-sensitised interventions that are relevant, accessible, and engaging for men. Community-based programmes that combine sport, peer support, and goal-orientated activities may offer more acceptable and effective alternatives to traditional health services.

However, evidence around the mental health impact and key components of such interventions remains limited. This self-funded PhD project aims to address these gaps by evaluating MAN v FAT Football - a UK-wide, gender-sensitised weight loss and lifestyle programme for men with a BMI over 27.5. The programme uses football as a tool for behaviour change, combining weekly matches with weight monitoring, team-based support, health education, and access to optional mental health resources.

While the primary focus is weight loss, the programme also aims to promote well-being and social connection. This project will explore how MAN v FAT may support men’s mental and physical health and examine the mechanisms by which any benefits occur. The research will be conducted in collaboration with MAN v FAT, offering the student the opportunity to engage directly with a national community organisation and conduct applied, policy-relevant research with real-world impact.

Research Aims and Methodology The project will use a mixed-method design to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of MAN v FAT Football. Broadly, it will include the following phases: Findings from all phases will be integrated to develop a rich understanding of how MAN v FAT may support men’s health, and to inform the design and delivery of future gender-sensitised interventions. Potential Contributions: This project will contribute to the evidence based on community-based, gender-sensitised interventions targeting men’s health.

It will offer practical insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to engage men in programmes that address both mental