A rugby club in Cheltenham has emerged as an unexpected yet effective tool for weight loss and mental health improvement, with participants reporting significant physical and psychological benefits. Graeme Adams, a 62-year-old man with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Type 2 diabetes, lost nearly two stone (11kg) over 18 months by joining the Man v Fat Rugby Cheltenham club, which caters specifically to men with a body mass index (BMI) over 27.5.

Weight Loss Through Teamwork and Camaraderie

The club, held at Cheltenham Tigers RFC on Wednesdays in partnership with the Gloucestershire Rugby Football Union, uses a unique system to encourage weight loss. Players are weighed before each match, and the points from weight loss are added to the scores from the game. The overall winners are crowned at the end of a 14-week season.

Adams, who joined the club with his son, described the experience as significant. ‘There’s an added impetus because you don’t want to let your side down, but you don’t want to let yourself down either,’ he said. ‘It’s really, really good and the mental health wellbeing you get from it is fantastic.’

The club has seen impressive results. Head coach Karl White reported that the group had collectively lost 60 stone (382kg) in total, with 60 players achieving a five per cent reduction in their body weight. ‘That is amazing, life-changing and life-extending,’ White said. ‘Some of the guys have actually achieved a BMI within a healthy range, so sub-25, so some really, really impressive weight loss.’

Community and Support as Key Drivers

Cosimo Trinca, another participant who joined the club a year ago weighing over 15 stone (95kg), credited the camaraderie and support of the group for his transformation. ‘The best part for me is the camaraderie in my group. We have a lot of banter both on and off the pitch and it’s great to feel part of a team and have their support,’ he said.

White emphasized the strong community spirit within the club. ‘You might have the white team against the red team on the field, but they’re very much in it together in terms of wanting that positive change,’ he said. ‘They’re in it not only to improve their health, but for the love of the game as well.’

The club currently has 30 players and is looking to expand its membership. White described the atmosphere as ‘electric,’ with participants driven by both the desire for better health and a shared passion for rugby.

Broader Implications for Health and Wellness

The success of the Man v Fat Rugby Cheltenham club highlights a growing trend in using sports and community-based activities to address health issues. With obesity rates continuing to rise in the UK, such initiatives offer a non-stigmatizing approach to weight loss and mental well-being.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), over a third of adults in England are classified as obese, and the health consequences are significant, including increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and mental health disorders. The rugby club’s model, which combines physical activity with social support, could serve as a blueprint for similar programs in other communities.

White’s team has already seen measurable improvements in participants’ health, with some achieving a healthy BMI range. ‘Some of the guys have actually achieved a BMI within a healthy range, so sub-25, so some really, really impressive weight loss,’ he said. ‘It’s not just about the weight loss. It’s about the confidence and the sense of achievement that comes with it.’

The club’s approach, which combines structured physical activity with a supportive community environment, may have broader implications for public health. As obesity and mental health challenges continue to rise, programs like this offer a practical, engaging solution that can be adapted to different sports and demographics.

For now, the Man v Fat Rugby Cheltenham club continues to grow, with new members encouraged to join. The focus remains on improving health, building friendships, and supporting a sense of belonging through the shared experience of rugby.