In this powerful episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark are joined by Matt Gibson, whose story of transformation is as inspiring as it gets, from battling obesity and chronic pain to running ultra marathons.

Matt opens up about his early struggles with denial around his weight and the wake-up call that came when sciatica forced him to face his health head-on. His turning point came when he joined Man v Fat, combining his love of football with a supportive community that helped him stay accountable.

He shares the small, sustainable changes that made a massive impact, focusing on balance over perfection, with strict discipline during the week and flexibility at weekends. Matt also talks about his incredible journey into endurance running and how it has become a symbol of how far he’s come, both physically and mentally.

Beyond fitness, Matt’s story carries deep emotional weight as he discusses his motivation to raise awareness and funds for Huntington’s disease, which has affected his family. His journey is a reminder that transformation is about far more than weight — it’s about purpose, resilience, and community.

Key Takeaways:

• Matt went from struggling with obesity to completing ultra marathons.
• Small, gradual changes proved more effective than drastic overhauls.
• His balanced diet approach allowed for flexibility while staying on track.
• The camaraderie of the Man v Fat community was key to his success.
• Running has become both a personal victory and a way to support Huntington’s disease awareness.
• Matt’s story proves that change is possible with consistency, purpose, and the right support.

You can still donate to Matt's fundraising efforts on his Just Giving Page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/matthew-gibson-1718097169118?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Join a community that helps you stay accountable, get active, and transform your life. Sign up for Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

In this episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark take a deep dive into fasting, breaking down what it really means, the different methods people use, and how it can support weight loss and better health.

They explore popular approaches such as the 5:2 diet and the 16:8 method, sharing their own experiences with fasting and how it has influenced their weight loss journeys. The lads also look at the science, discussing how fasting can lower insulin, improve fat burning, and support overall metabolic health.

Beyond the practical, Darren and Mark also touch on the history of fasting, from cultural and religious traditions to the feast-and-famine cycles of our ancestors, showing why fasting is far from a modern fad. With plenty of practical advice for getting started, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about fasting as part of their health journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Fasting is about when you eat, not necessarily what you eat.
• The 16:8 method involves fasting for 16 hours with an 8-hour eating window.
• Intermittent fasting can improve focus, energy, and metabolic health.
• Fasting has deep cultural and historical roots, including practices like Ramadan.
• Initial hunger and lifestyle adjustments are normal when starting out.
• Lower insulin levels during fasting can support fat burning and weight management.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Take control of your health with accountability and support. Join Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/

In this inspiring episode of Big Fellas, Darren and Mark sit down with Dan, who has transformed his life by losing over 10 stone after once weighing 26 stone. His journey is one of resilience, mindset, and the power of community through the Man v Fat programme.

Dan opens up about the pivotal moments that sparked his commitment to change, from his first steps into exercise to the discipline of tracking calories. He shares not just the physical side of his journey but also the psychological battles, from handling emotional triggers to finding ways to stay motivated once the weight started to come off.

With Darren and Mark’s encouragement, Dan reflects on how the camaraderie and accountability of Man v Fat played a crucial role in his success. And now, with his sights set on the Rome marathon, Dan proves that weight loss is only the beginning of a much bigger journey of self-improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• Dan has lost more than 10 stone, showing the power of determination and mindset.
• Calorie tracking and exercise formed the backbone of his success.
• The Man v Fat community provided support, accountability, and camaraderie.
• Staying motivated after reaching weight loss goals requires new challenges.
• Addressing emotional eating is vital for long-term success.
• Dan’s training for the Rome marathon shows that fitness goals don’t end with the scales.

🎯 Sponsored by Man v Fat

Join a community that makes weight loss achievable and fun. Sign up for Man v Fat today with code BIGFELLAS and get £1 registration:

👉 https://manvfatfootball.org/