Having stepped into the US in late 2024, we’re now beginning to see the lads in our Soccer leagues hit those self same exceptional modifications, with some large weight reduction totals – and the US tally thus far is a collective whole of practically 7,000lbs.
One of many large contributors to that whole is Jason King, one of many unique MAN v FAT Soccer gamers in our Tampa Bay league.
Becoming a member of with no actual earlier soccer expertise, Jason is about to hit 30% weight reduction in his time with us and nice tuned his talents on the sector too.
He has twice misplaced probably the most weight in a Tampa Bay season and his league colleague Antonio Salguero tells us: “Jason has embodied the spirit of MAN v FAT: accountability, development, humility, and neighborhood. He’s somebody new gamers naturally gravitate towards, and his journey continues to inspire males throughout our league.”
Military veteran Jason’s weight reduction has taken him from 264lbs to 187lbs thus far and never solely have his clothes sizes dropped a few ranges, he’s additionally extra importantly gone from pre-diabetic, hypertension and excessive ldl cholesterol to nice stats throughout the board.
We caught up with Jason for the lowdown on the secrets and techniques to his success.
What was it made you be a part of MAN v FAT within the first place?
Only a month after my fortieth birthday, I discovered myself up at 2AM unable to sleep and doom scrolling social media after I stumbled throughout a MAN v FAT advert. At this level I used to be at 264lbs and actually scuffling with melancholy. My spouse had warned me for some time I used to be getting actually heavy, however each time I attempted to drop pounds, I’d discover myself in a begin cease cycle of small successes and large failures.
I thought-about it, however was afraid I’d proceed in the identical cycle, so I made excuses. Oh, that’s cash I may use for different issues. Oh, you haven’t performed soccer since sixth grade, you gained’t be any good. Oh would possibly as properly not begin, since you’re simply going to get laughed off the sector. So I talked to my spouse who informed me, “Should you’re , what’s the hurt in checking it out? Possibly you’ll end up having enjoyable. Plus having a ‘third place’ may very well be good on your psychological well being.”
So I reached out to Coach Mike and got here within the subsequent Thursday solely to search out a terrific group of fellows in the identical boat. All of us have tried and didn’t drop pounds previously, and right here we will all push one another to get more healthy and preserve accountable. I joined Staff Blue and located myself not eager to let the crew down by gaining weight that week. The primary three seasons had been robust, and I discovered myself in a 0lb loss, 5lb loss, and 0lb loss. This was a begin, and I wanted to maintain going to see progress.
What’s it about this system that has supported your successes up to now?
Accountability full cease. Since my first evening, my purpose was to not rating any personal targets. Partly from a aggressive facet, however I additionally didn’t wish to be disingenuous when making an attempt to inspire others. A number of months later, Season 3 rolls round and we each add a brand new crew and alter up present groups by way of a draft. It was additionally at the moment that I actually buckled down.
I used to be a part of a brand new crew, and we had new members within the league trying to the “veterans” for motivation and recommendation. I joined within the final week of season 1, however I felt as if I used to be in that group. Eager to be affect, I labored all through the week to make it possible for come weigh-in I used to be prepared. 3 Seasons later and I’m now the captain for Inter Umami (Staff Pink) and proceed to attempt to be the optimistic affect each for my crew and others.
How highly effective is the neighborhood ethos inside MAN v FAT and notably at Tampa?
Neighborhood is the core of our league. It’s not nearly wins and loses on the pitch, but additionally how we come collectively. One of the best days are shut matches that everybody is cheering everybody else on ultimately.
Typically I see these within the first match of the evening wait to observe the second recreation; and for me, that’s necessary. Generally life will get in the best way and it is advisable to go away earlier than the tip of recreation 2, however there’s something to be stated about having the opposite groups keep to cheer on the present match. I actually really feel that quite a lot of us really feel the identical manner.
What have been the methods through which you’ve managed to succeed by means of the course of the week to hit constant weight reduction?
Every week it will get a bit simpler, and the controversial reply is that earlier on in my journey, my physician observed my struggles with the load loss, however the effort I used to be placing in. I used to be additionally pre-diabetic, had hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea and different medical situations.
At the moment, she began me on a GLP-1 therapy. To some it’s a miracle drug, however for me, it was one other device in my arsenal. I’ve tried every little thing from simply consuming much less, to understanding a number of occasions per week, however nothing labored. For me, the treatment helped by reducing urge for food and serving to my physique to course of the blood sugars that my physique simply refused to course of out. That stated, if I did nothing however the treatment I nonetheless wouldn’t see the development.
MAN v FAT helped by giving me extra motivation to go on walks with my spouse and pups, to take the steps as an alternative of the elevator at work, and even simply to verify I’m paying consideration not simply to how a lot I’m consuming, but additionally to what I’m consuming. As a result of I’m not consuming as a lot, it’s necessary to make sure that what I do eat is nice for my physique. As a substitute of consuming out on a regular basis, I’ve fallen in love with the kitchen and infrequently will cook dinner for my household. With that in thoughts, I do know what’s going into the meals I’m consuming.
What are your long run well being and wellbeing targets, each with MAN v FAT and past?
As of this writing I’m lower than a pound from hitting my 30% milestone and weighing in at 183.5 lbs. My closest subsequent purpose is 179 and that’s to formally go from being overweight to being chubby for the primary time since at the very least my Military days.
In accordance with the BMI charts, I ought to be within the 150s for my peak, so I’m aiming for that long run. I’m wanting to have the ability to run a 2 mile time and cross the outdated PT requirements I needed to obtain previously. From a wellbeing purpose, I wish to proceed to assist encourage those that are scuffling with their journey. MAN v FAT has been an enormous affect in my life and in the future I may see myself in a behind the scenes position in serving to others to search out that motivation and obtain their very own targets.
Wish to comply with Jason’s instance?
Should you’re eager to get began at MAN v FAT, you’ll be able to be a part of Jason and the fellows at Tampa or have a look on our web site to see our ever rising record of leagues!
