**Chef Sheds Six Stone in 18 Months Thanks to Unconventional Weight Loss Approach**
A chef from Bridgend has astounded his community by shedding over six stone in just 18 months, having adopted a unique approach to eating and exercise after the tragic loss of his teenage brother. Ricky Emery, 40, took on the challenge not only to honour his sibling’s memory but also to transform his lifestyle for the better.
Emery’s journey began following the passing of his 15-year-old brother in the summer of 2023, a heart-breaking event that spurred him to take action. In tribute, their local community organised a memorial rugby match to take place on Boxing Day that year. The prospect of participating proved pivotal for Ricky, acting as a wake‑up call to evaluate his health and overall fitness.
In his own words, Ricky admitted, “I needed to get fit and shift weight fast.” This realisation led him to join the MAN v FAT Football club in Bridgend, a group designed specifically to motivate men to lose weight through camaraderie, sport, and structured guidance. MAN v FAT stands apart from traditional slimming groups by fusing the competitive spirit of team sport with supported weight loss, and has gained traction across the UK, engaging around 8,500 men at over 150 clubs.
Ricky found unexpected motivation in the club’s format. “Playing team sports again, coupled with a genuine incentive to lose weight, was a brilliant motivational factor for me,” he shared. He praised the programme for its inclusivity, highlighting that men of all ages and fitness levels can take part, and that success isn’t purely measured by on‑pitch performance—weight loss achievements in the week also count towards your team’s standing.
The MAN v FAT approach sets itself apart by combining weekly weigh-ins and football matches. Each session is more than just about sporting prowess: personal weight loss results are considered in the club’s overall league tables. So far, participants nationwide have collectively lost over 800,000 pounds, with support extending to off‑pitch resources such as meal ideas and fitness guidance.
Ricky’s results speak for themselves. Starting at 20 stone, his initial aim was to reach 15.5 stone; he has since surpassed this, weighing in at just under 14 stone—a staggering 30% reduction in bodyweight. The benefits, he insists, are more than skin-deep. “I’ve gone from living a fairly sedentary life to being highly active. I now play five-a-side football and go to the gym three times a week. My fitness, strength, and overall lifestyle have improved enormously,” he remarked.
For Ricky, maintaining consistency was a particular challenge—an occupational hazard for a chef, constantly surrounded by tempting food and the post‑work drinking culture. He admits that the support from MAN v FAT curbed his less healthy habits. His daily routine also underwent a dramatic overhaul: previously reliant on indulgent breakfasts and snacking throughout the day, he now practises intermittent fasting, only drinking black coffee until midday. His first meal tends to be high-protein, such as Greek yoghurt with berries, while lunches are balanced and designed to keep him fuller for longer, swapping out processed snacks for wholesome options like jacket potatoes with cottage cheese or beans.
Dinner, which once might have been a carb-heavy pasta with cheese followed by dessert, is now replaced by lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and a limited amount of carbohydrates. For a sweet finish, he opts for a protein shake or yoghurt. This gradual change in eating habits, coupled with his new exercise regime, has been fundamental to his transformation.
Ricky is keen to share what he has learnt: “You need to be prepared to step out of your comfort zone. Try something new and find a form of exercise that you actually enjoy,” he advised. “That’s what made MAN v FAT so perfect for me.” He has become something of a club ambassador himself, encouraging friends and colleagues to join, some of whom have already signed up.
To further support men struggling with obesity and health, MAN v FAT has announced plans to expand in 2025 with the launch of ten new rugby-based weight loss clubs around the UK. These new branches will offer similar support through a blend of sport, nutritional advice, and mental health resources, aiming for sustainable and community-driven change.
Ricky’s story stands as an inspiring testament to the power of resolve, community spirit, and targeted support. For many, it is a remarkable example of how personal loss can be channelled into positive action, delivering life-changing results for individuals and their communities alike.