**Bristol Father Sheds Five Stone After Swapping Fast Food for Football – and Finds New Lease of Life**
A Bristol father who once weighed over 22 stone has revealed the dramatic lifestyle changes that saw him lose five stone in just a year – swapping fast food takeaways for a local football club and discovering a remarkable transformation in both body and mind.
Kieren Medcraft, 33, came to a turning point after years of unhealthy eating habits, most notably during the COVID-19 lockdown. His diet had reached a point where breakfast was skipped altogether, only to be replaced by calorie-laden lunches and dinners. “I’d always feel sick first thing, so eating breakfast was out of the question,” Kieren explained. “But by lunchtime, I’d make up for it — popping out for a Mexican chicken baguette, chicken bites, and a sausage roll from Greggs.”
Dinner used to be no safer. While home-cooked classics like spaghetti bolognese or shepherd’s pie occasionally graced the table, these were all-too-often forsaken for spontaneous takeaways. Kieren describes his McDonald’s order now as “horrific”: featuring a large burger meal, chicken sandwich, cheeseburger, cheese bites, and sometimes even a wrap of the day. “In hindsight, it was madness,” he admits.
It was the advent of fatherhood that finally sparked a ‘lightbulb’ realisation. Kieren wanted to lead by example and have the energy to play with his young daughter. This goal, however, proved elusive at first, as several diet and fitness plans failed to stick. That changed in April 2024, when a timely advert for MAN v FAT Football appeared on his social media feed. The programme caters to men with a BMI over 27.5, combining five-a-side football sessions with practical advice on nutrition, mental health support, and a built-in peer network.
Each week, Kieren and fellow members of the Bristol Central branch would gather, weighing in before heading onto the pitch. Uniquely, the club’s structure rewards not just match victories, but also individual or team weight loss, providing constant motivation. At the conclusion of the 14-week seasons, achievements are recognised, helping to reinforce positive changes.
Kieren is now a passionate advocate for the scheme. “I can’t praise MAN v FAT enough,” he says. “All my friends are probably tired of hearing about it, but seeing how far I’ve come just makes me want to shout about it more. People don’t believe it’s as simple as football and support, but that’s really all there is to it.”
The camaraderie and understanding within the group were crucial for Kieren, helping him weather difficult weeks and celebrate small wins. The community’s non-judgemental atmosphere makes even minor milestones feel significant. “No-one patronises, no-one judges. We all lift each other up,” he explains.
His journey has been far-reaching. Today, Kieren regularly takes part in weekly 5k park runs, enjoys long hikes, and walks instead of driving whenever possible. Not long ago, he struggled to walk short distances. Now, walks spanning from Nailsea to Bristol and treks in Wales are highlights of his routine.
While resisting the lure of old habits — such as nights out with alcohol — was a challenge, Kieren says tracking food intake diligently and finding exercises he enjoys were key to making lasting changes. The reaction from friends and family has been overwhelmingly positive, with many stunned by his transformation. “My wife’s delighted that I’m now eager to go on outings, and my parents are amazed.”
For Kieren, having a strong personal motive helped — but he stresses the importance of self-motivation and accountability. “Setting achievable goals, tracking everything — even the little things — and staying honest with yourself is crucial. And find an exercise you love, not just one to burn calories, or you’ll burn out.”
Reflecting on the past year, he adds: “I can’t describe how much better my life has become, both physically and mentally. I’d never have believed a year ago that I’d look forward to running, hiking, and playing football. Now, I genuinely enjoy life – it’s better in every way.”