Hockey fans in training: A winning strategy for men’s weight loss and health
Recognising that men are less likely to participate in traditional weight-loss programmes, a new study published in The Lancet highlighted an innovative approach to change that - Hockey Fans in Training (Hockey FIT).
Leveraging the passion of hockey fans to motivate men living with overweight or obesity, the programme aims to improve their health through a structured, supportive environment connected to the excitement of being part of their favourite hockey team.
Hockey FIT is a unique, gender-sensitised lifestyle programme that partners with local hockey teams to encourage men aged 35-65, with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or higher, to commit to healthier living. This pragmatic cluster randomised trial took place across 42 community sites in Canada and the United States, with participating men either joining the intervention group (Hockey FIT) or a wait-list control group. Hockey FIT participants attended weekly 90-minute sessions over a three-month active phase, which included guided exercise and lifestyle education. This was followed by a nine-month minimally-supported phase to help men maintain their progress long-term.
By the end of the year-long programme, men who completed Hockey FIT achieved a greater average weight reduction than those in the control group—2.02 kg compared to 0.92 kg. While the overall weight difference may seem modest, this reduction is meaningful, particularly as it demonstrates that Hockey FIT is effective for helping men lose weight and improve their health in a supportive, community-based setting. Importantly, this approach is proven to be safe, with no significant increase in adverse health events for participants.
The researchers believe Hockey FIT’s success lies in its unique approach - it speaks directly to men’s interests, making lifestyle changes fun, relatable, and achievable. Through their love of hockey, participants find themselves more motivated and engaged, forming a community of support around a shared goal of getting healthier. This programme also bridges the gap between traditional health interventions and the more casual, often sports-centered social networks many men already enjoy.
Researchers concluded that by aligning health goals with interests like sports, programmes like Hockey FIT open the door to new strategies in preventive health, potentially reducing the risks associated with obesity-related conditions like diabetes and heart disease for a demographic often underrepresented in weight-loss programmes.