Leicester Man Sheds 8 Stone Through Unique Rugby Weight Loss Programme
Ade Courtney from Leicester has embarked on a remarkable personal transformation, shedding an impressive eight stone with the support of a specialised rugby club. His journey was facilitated by MAN v FAT Rugby Leicester, a programme specifically designed for overweight and obese men in the Leicester area and its surrounding regions.
A Supportive Environment for Change
The club operates with a clear mission: to help local men lose weight and improve their fitness through structured weekly sessions held at Bosworth Academy in LE9. The programme cleverly combines physical activity with accountability. At each session, participants are first weighed to track their individual weight loss progress from the previous week.
Following the weigh-in, the men take to the pitch for small-sided games of touch rugby. The innovative scoring system means that team points are combined with individual weight loss results, contributing to an overall league table. Winners are celebrated at the conclusion of each 14-week season, fostering a sense of achievement and healthy competition.
The Catalyst for Transformation
Ade's decision to join was prompted by a profound personal moment. He recalls a night when a simple trip upstairs to bed caused his heart to race alarmingly. "I realised my heart was beating out of my chest, so strong I could hear it, I could visibly see my chest moving," he said. This incident served as a stark wake-up call, challenging his previous casual attitude towards health.
"I used to joke to people 'I'm here for a good time, not a long time', but that night I saw that that 'joke' was becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy," Ade admitted. The very next morning, he saw an advertisement for MAN v FAT Rugby Leicester on his Facebook feed, which he took as a sign to begin his journey.
Remarkable Collective Results
The programme's effectiveness is demonstrated by significant results. In 2025 alone, the 30 men participating at the Leicester club collectively lost an astonishing half a tonne (500kg) of weight. Ade's personal loss of eight stone is a testament to the programme's potential for life-changing impact.
More Than Just Rugby: Camaraderie and Mental Health
For Ade, the benefits extend far beyond the physical. He highlights the camaraderie and mutual support as key components of his success. "The main enjoyment for me is the camaraderie," he explained. "The group of lads there are brilliant... everyone is there for the same purpose and we all get on really well, we all support and motivate each other."
This supportive environment has had a profound effect on his mental wellbeing. "In regards to my mental health it has had a massive impact," Ade shared. "It's given me a new motivation to work on myself... I don't feel down or deflated anywhere near as much as I used to and it's given me confidence." He now fits into clothes he hasn't worn for years, a tangible symbol of his progress.
Sustainable Lifestyle Changes
The programme inspired Ade to adopt sustainable habits. He began calorie counting using a mobile app, setting flexible daily limits to avoid a rigid pass/fail mindset. "I consider far more what I am having and are the calories worth it in that moment," he noted, explaining how he now paces his intake throughout the day.
He has also become an advocate, successfully encouraging three colleagues from work to join the club. The inclusive atmosphere, where all participants are respected for taking the first step, regardless of their shape or size, is a major draw. The men share tips on low-calorie foods and recipes throughout the week, blending practical advice with the typical banter of a rugby team.
Ade Courtney's story is a powerful example of how a targeted community programme, combining sport, accountability, and peer support, can catalyse significant weight loss and holistic health improvement for men in Leicester.
