FIT FANS returned to Deepdale in 2021 with great success
FIT FANS returned to Deepdale in 2021 with 59 men and women completing the 12-week programme at Preston North End throughout the last year.
The programme enables participants to partake in physical activity whilst also educating them on lifestyle habits that can be changed in small, manageable steps to create a sustainable lifestyle. Funded by Sport England through the National Lottery and run at around 40 EFL Clubs across the country. It is a free health programme for men and women aged 35-65 who are looking to lose weight, get fitter and lead a more active life.
One of the male participants, Vijay Parekh lost just under 10kg in weight and 6cm on his waist measurements, these changes also resulted in a reduction of his BMI. Vijay started his fitness journey prior to enrolling on FIT FANS with Preston North End’s Community and Education Trust but he credits the programme for his ability to lose weight whilst gaining increased knowledge on factors such as calorie intake, portion sizes and step counts.
He said: “It’s just been brilliant. Seeing the differences between the beginning and now, I’m really happy with it.
“Physically I’ve seen a lot of difference, mentally as well because losing weight has helped out. Mentally I feel better. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge in the sessions, which has been brilliant, just to help keep losing weight.”
Carole Baldwin was part of the cohort in summer 2021 but because of the positive effects it has had on her life, she has remained involved in the programme as a volunteer to support others starting out their FIT FANS journey.
She lost 10.2kg over the 12-week period and 13.7cm on her waist, figures and results that have changed her life.
She explained: “I’ve absolutely loved it right from day one. My blood pressure is down a lot, I’ve lost weight, I’ve gained confidence, I’m happier than I have been for years and years. I’ve now been given the knowledge and the skills to carry on with this for the rest of my life, and I will, I’ve no intentions of going back to the old Carol, never again, I’m staying like this forever.”
Average weight loss statistics for the FIT FANS programme are impressive and exceed those of many other programmes. On average women lose well over 3kg and men over 5.5kg by the end of the 12 weeks. We also have evidence that lifestyle change and weight loss is sustained over the following 12 months. More than 90% of men and 85% of women lose weight during the programme with many losing a clinically significant amount. Our data shows FIT FANS helps people to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary time, leading to weight loss, a significant reduction in blood pressure and improvement in self-reported mental wellbeing measures.
