Mike Palmer, 32, from Nuneaton, was inspired to lose weight after his dad was refused surgery
A 24-stone man whose father was denied cancer surgery due to his weight made the life-changing decision to shed seven stone in just a year – to avoid finding himself in the same situation. Mike Palmer said his dad required an operation to remove a tumour, but his weight posed too great a risk.
Fearing he was on a similar trajectory, Mike decided to take control of his weight before it was too late. With the support of MAN v FAT’s football club, Mike managed to lose weight but also made new friends and discovered a passion for exercise, reports Leicestershire Live.
Mike, from Nuneaton, said: “My decision to join MAN v FAT was deeply personal, rooted in my dad’s battle with cancer. He needed surgery to remove a tumour, but his weight made it too dangerous, so surgery wasn’t even discussed as an option. Watching him go through that was devastating, and it made me realise that I was heading down the same path. I was 165.5kg (26 stone) at my heaviest at Christmas 2023 struggling to walk upstairs without getting out of breath. I knew I had to take control before it was too late.
“Since joining MAN v FAT, not only have I transformed my own health and the weight I’ve lost, but I’ve inspired my dad to lose 15kg as well. Because of that weight loss, surgery is now a potential option for him if he ever needs it. That’s been one of the proudest achievements of my life-knowing that my journey hasn’t just helped me.”
Mike added: “What I enjoy most about MAN v FAT Football is the community and the sense of purpose it’s given me. It’s not just football; it’s a support system. Every week, I walk into that club and see men from all walks of life coming together to change their futures. We celebrate each other’s wins, motivate each other through setbacks, and create an environment where nobody feels judged.
“Personally, I’ve also found a lot of pride in inspiring others. Knowing that my weight loss journey has motivated guys in my club-and even my own dad-to push themselves is an incredible feeling. It shows that MAN v FAT is about more than just losing weight; it’s about building each other up and showing that change is possible.
“MAN v FAT has transformed my life in ways I never expected. Before joining, I struggled with my mental health-I felt stuck, isolated, and overwhelmed. MAN v FAT gave me a reason to get out of the house and focus on something positive. The structure and community support were exactly what I needed.”
He said the programme had led to him make life-long friends and start playing 11-a-side football again. “But one of the biggest changes has been in my mindset. I now believe in myself in a way I never did before, and that confidence has spilled over into every area of my life,” he said.
