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Dec 1

Meet the Newcastle United fan who lost nine stones after squeezing through the turnstiles – Chronicle Live

When overweight Newcastle United fan Joe Jensen had to squeeze through the turnstiles to watch his team play, he realised he had to do something about his eating habits.

Stuffing down what ever he could Joe ballooned to 23 stone 8 lbs and was in XXXXL clothing.

Realising he needed to lose weight he joined the Man v Fat Football programme. Being signed up to a football team made of guys wanting to shed the flab, he was on a mission to get to his goal weight.

Now Joe has lost over nine stone and is down to 14 stone 4 lbs which allows him to now slide through the turnstiles with ease to watch the Magpies play.

Ive got to be honest and say that before MAN v FAT Football life was just normal ever since primary school Id always been overweight so it had become the norm. I didnt think about what I would eat or drink, I just bought it and ate it, said Joe, 32, of Newcastle.

Despite being massively overweight, morbidly obese to put it in medical terms, I was still moderately active but some activities when volunteering with the Scouts became more tricky and I had long since given up playing sport.

I had to shop at specialist big and tall ranges and might as well have had shares in one well known high street store for bigger guys. It really limited the choice of new clothes I could get and Id have to plan ahead by ordering online.

The call centre leader added: I cant point to one eureka or lightbulb moment when I made the crucial decision that things had to change. For me it was a combination of factors building up over time. Having to look at XXXXL clothes instead of XXXL as the weight was building, the guy on the turnstile at St James Park making a snide remark as I squeezed through, and feeling like I was going to collapse after getting an enthusiastically applauded rounder on a work charity day. I also had the holiday of a lifetime booked for six months time, so it seemed like an ideal time to make a change for the better.

Joe saw the Man V Fat Football on Facebook and decided to join up.

I had nothing to lose and despite previously playing quite regularly, I hadnt played football for years, said Joe.

It was nerve-racking signing up for it by myself but the league coach quickly got in touch and there was no looking back.

I turned up on registration night to a long queue leading to a set a scales. Had it not been for guys in the queue who were returning for the new season chatting to me I may have freaked, walked out and never returned. They were hugely supportive and before I had been registered and weighed I had a good idea of the rules and setup.

When I joined the Newcastle league it had already been running for a couple of seasons. There were six continuing teams and then two teams of brand new players. At first, I was nervous as we were all completely new to it but we quickly settled in and everyone from across every team was really supportive of each other.

As a newly formed team, we really struggled on the pitch. I think we won only one game in that first season, but off the pitch we lost shedloads of weight.

As a team, we won the weight loss league and I was the top loser, shedding at the time 32.8kgs. Weve had a few players come and go but we finished our third season winning the football league, combined football and weight loss league and I was the top loser again which I was really chuffed with. We had 4 of the top 10 weight loss scorers, so that team spirit has worked wonders.

Beyond our team though I think the ethos and camaraderie throughout the league is what makes it successful. At times and particularly in the heat of the moment things can get heated but the support and encouragement for each other is always there.

Joe is delighted with his weight loss.

He added: Losing the weight and improving my fitness has had a colossal impact on my life. Ive achieved multiple goals, Ive played on the hallowed turf of St James Park, Ive run - well, jogged - the world-famous Blaydon Races, Ive bought normal sized clothes from normal shops and I can slip through the turnstiles at the football with finesse now.

Due to the weight loss, some people havent recognised me and my parents neighbours thought they had a rarely seen third son. There have been challenges with injuries and health issues but Ive remained positive and with the support of those around me have continued along the journey.

Ive had so many positive comments from people that have encouraged me and Ive used this to fuel my passion along the way so a big shout out to everyone who has supported me along the way.

Joel says his weight loss is down to joining Man v Fat Football.

He said: Losing weight is about a calorie deficit. People who do the cabbage soup diet dont lose weight because theyre eating cabbage, they lose weight because their body is using more calories than theyre consuming. So for me tracking food and creating a bank of go-to meals and snacks was crucial.

With my sweet tooth Im thinking Tunnocks teacakes which are 100 calories, 90 calorie brownie bars and tonnes of strawberries.

Anyone wanting more information on Man v Fat Football visit their website here.

See the rest here:
Meet the Newcastle United fan who lost nine stones after squeezing through the turnstiles - Chronicle Live

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