A 26-year-old man from London has transformed his life by losing nearly half of his bodyweight through a commitment to playing football. George Ferreira, who weighed 39 stone, has shed an impressive 18 stone in just 21 months without resorting to surgical interventions. His journey began after a pivotal moment when he struggled to keep up during a match with an overweight football team.
George’s weight gain began at age 17, driven by a diet heavy in takeaways and sugary drinks. He described himself as “eating” his way to an “early grave,” with family members expressing serious concern about his health. After consulting with a doctor, George faced the possibility of weight loss surgery but was deterred by the risks associated with being put to sleep at such a high weight. Instead, he decided to take control of his health.
Finding Football as a Solution
In 2023, George discovered the charity MANvFAT Football, which promotes weight loss through six-a-side matches and regular weigh-ins. Initially hesitant, he finally joined a session at Boreham Wood FC in March 2024. He recalled the anxiety leading up to the event, noting how daunting it felt to confront his weight gain and face a new group of people.
On his first day, George was shocked to see the scales read 249 kg, equivalent to 39.2 stone. During his first match, he experienced a moment of despair when he was unable to keep pace with the game. Fortunately, support from his coach Victor helped him regain his motivation.
Since then, George has made significant changes to his diet, focusing on “small, smart swaps” that have facilitated his weight loss. He typically consumes one main meal each day, opting for balanced options like chicken with rice and beans or salmon with salad. He also incorporates convenient, calorie-controlled meals from MyProtein, which help him maintain his dietary routine without the hassle of measuring ingredients.
A New Lease on Life
The impact of George’s weight loss has been profound. Basic activities, such as walking up stairs and shopping for clothes, have become much easier. He has gone from wearing size 68 trousers to size 44, marking a significant improvement in his quality of life.
Looking to the future, George has set ambitious goals for himself. He hopes to participate in Sunday League football, with aspirations to complete a full 90-minute match. He also mentioned an upcoming national event dubbed the “biggest loser” game, which will feature teams from the north and south of England competing in a match at a well-known stadium. “That’s like a childhood dream to play at a stadium,” he expressed.
While he acknowledges that reaching the recommended Body Mass Index (BMI) may be unlikely, George believes that a weight between 85 to 90 kg would be ideal for him. He has embraced his journey, emphasizing the importance of his personality shaped by his past experiences.
George concluded with motivational advice for others seeking change: “You don’t need anything dramatic. You either keep turning up or you disappear. And I chose not to disappear.” This determination and newfound approach to health and fitness have not only transformed his body but also his outlook on life.
