Benefits of playing Football – Part 2

Football also has a postive effect on body fat. Body fat itself is a necessary component of what makes our body function. It keeps us warm; it cushions vital organs and is a major source of energy. The average body fat percentage of professional football players is around 10%, give or take each way depending on the individual and where they play.

But what about someone who is overweight? Or a better way of describing it is an individual who has a very high body fat percentage say around 30%. Is football a good way for them to lose weight. The simple answer is yes. Football is a great way to lose weight. On average football players can burn anywhere between 1000 and 800 calories in a game. When you add that on top of training let’s say another 1000 split between 2 training sessions that adds up to 2000 calories extra burned a week.

As an example, let’s take a person who is overweight. On average they burn 2000 calories a day. They have decided to lose weight and have brought their calorie intake down to 2000 calories a day as well. This individual has now decided to pick up football. Using the figures above, over the course of a week they will have a caloric deficit of 2000. There are 7000 calories in 1 kg of fat. Over the course of a season (for me that’s Jan – Sept) you would lose just over 9 kg of fat.

For kids it is a little bit different in terms of the figures, but the principle is the same. Football provides a great way for kids to play and expel excess energy. Therefore, kids who play football are less likely to become overweight and obese. Childhood obesity as well as type 2 diabetes are continuing to rise in Australia, football a long with a healthy diet can combat this. Active kids are also likely to become active adults meaning that they are less likely to develop health problems in the future.

There is one very important point that I do need to make, weight loss is a two pronged approached. A good exercise routine, which football covers and a healthy diet. It is the combination of these two that leads to results not just one. I am also not a healthcare professional, qualified personal trainer or dietician. These are just some of the benefits that I have experienced myself that I believe can apply to anyone.