MAN v FAT Rugby’s successes have seen men on the programme now lose over 4,000kgs in weight and make countless health improvements during their time with us.
Our club in Cheltenham has contributed nearly 400kgs of that total and one man who has benefitted from his time with MAN v FAT in Gloucestershire is Ben Cambridge.
Ben recently hit his healthy BMI Boss status, one of the first men to achieve that since things got underway at the end of 2024.
We caught up with Ben to find out more about his successes and why MAN v FAT has worked for him.
1) Tell us a bit more about you – what you do in life, your interest in rugby and sport generally
My name is Ben Cambridge and I’m 51 years old and by day I am a Funeral Director – that normally makes the room go silent or everyone asks about 100 questions relating to the job…
I have played rugby on and off from aged 8 and probably retired properly when I had my kids about 15 years ago – although MAN v FAT has certainly got the juices flowing again for a vets game or two. I also play cricket still locally in Gloucester and for Gloucestershire Seniors Over 50s – so do try to stay active though the years and wear and tear is slowly catching up!
2) What was it that made you want to join MAN v FAT in the first place? Have you tried to lose weight in other ways in the past?
I saw the advert go MAN v FAT on Facebook as it popped up after I was probably being listened to whilst chatting to my friend who attends MAN v FAT up in Leeds. Whilst I wasn’t vastly overweight, I could have done with losing a stone or two and whilst not really a diet person I had tried the gym and the usual fads, but I found that I lost interest after a while.
3) How has the programme and its community helped you to lose weight?
I am a little bit competitive and have found that being part of a team and having league table has motivated me to do well for the team on and off the pitch as we are working together as a team and individually but are all there for each other and the other teams and we do really feel like one big community.
4) What have been the best parts of being involved so far?
The best parts have been the weight loss obviously, but also lacing up the boots and enjoying playing rugby again. Also the people – I have met some awesome people and also some inspiring ones. Everyone has a different reason for being there and a story as to why they are at MAN v FAT.
5) What benefits have you felt from losing the weight?
The benefits from weight loss is certainly confidence in myself and I like having a rib cage! Mainly it’s that I feel better in myself, don’t miss many of my little treats I used to have and the biggest thing is my fitness has improved vastly.
All in all I can’t recommend MAN v FAT enough – it’s a fantastic programme that encourages everyone from all walks of life to come and have ago at rugby and also try to make a difference to their lives.
Want to join Ben in MAN v FAT action?
You can register for MAN v FAT Rugby in Cheltenham or any of our other clubs by visiting www.manvfatrugby.com today!
