Obesity is a growing concern worldwide, and Ireland is no exception. Many Irish individuals have struggled with weight management, facing challenges related to food habits, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions. However, numerous success stories highlight the determination and resilience of those who have embarked on weight loss journeys, often transforming their lives in the process. This article explores some inspiring Irish weight loss success stories, delving into the diverse approaches, motivations, and obstacles encountered along the way.
The Role of Medication in Weight Loss
For some individuals, medication has played a crucial role in their weight loss journey. Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, have gained attention for their weight loss effects. These medications work by suppressing appetite, reducing food cravings, and promoting a feeling of fullness. However, it's important to note that these medications are not a magic bullet and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Helena Gilhooly: Battling Bad Habits and Finding a Kickstart
Helena Gilhooly, a small business owner in her late 50s, struggled with weight gain due to late-night working and unhealthy snacking habits. "Rather than having a proper dinner, you’d have snacks because you’re working away," she explains. Feeling uncomfortable in her clothes, she avoided networking events, feeling fed up with trying various diets. After hearing about Ozempic, she decided to give it a try, borrowing money from her son to cover the initial costs. In eight weeks, she lost 18lb, but experienced side effects like dizziness and a near-collapse in the supermarket. The passing of her mother further disrupted her dieting efforts, leading her to take a break from Ozempic. While she hasn't regained the lost weight, cost remains a barrier to continuing the medication at the full dose.
David Harte: Taming Food Noise and Discovering a Nicer Self
David Harte, a 44-year-old strength and conditioning coach, had battled with his weight his entire life. Despite knowing the right things to do, he found it a constant struggle. Inspired by his mother's positive experience with obesity injections, he started on Mounjaro. "From day one it’s been wholly positive," he says. The biggest benefit for him was the elimination of "food noise," the constant mental battle about food. He explains, "The weight loss is just a happy side effect. It’s just that mental freedom that I’m not constantly battling my mind about food." His wife even noticed a positive change in his mood, saying he was a "nicer person" due to the absence of the constant internal struggle. While Harte is close to his goal weight, he is also mindful of the cost and is exploring microdosing to make the medication more affordable.
Amanda Brunker: Overcoming Menopausal Weight Gain and Inflammation
Author and former Miss Ireland Amanda Brunker experienced significant weight gain after a hysterectomy and the onset of menopause. "The weight had just crept up on me over the last 10 or 15 years," she says. Despite eating healthily and training in the gym, she couldn't lose weight. Frustrated, she decided to try Ozempic and has "never felt better." In addition to weight loss, she experienced relief from inflammation in her body. While it took a while for the drug to take effect, it gave her a "kickstart" with her weight loss. She has lost over three stone and is focused on eating enough protein and going to the gym. The medication has also diminished her desire for junk food and alcohol, which now make her feel ill.
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Carmel Greene: Navigating Diabetes, Supply Issues, and Cost Concerns
Carmel Greene, a 46-year-old working in financial services, is diabetic. She initially had success with Synjardy, losing 2½ stone, but the weight loss stopped. She then switched to Ozempic, but faced supply issues. After trying Trulicity with little success, she switched to Mounjaro. However, the cost is a significant concern, as it is not reimbursed under her drug payment scheme. While she has experienced some initial benefits, including weight loss and reduced food noise, she is concerned about the long-term financial sustainability of the medication. She is also experiencing side effects like heartburn.
Lifestyle Changes and Mindset Shifts
While medication can be a helpful tool, lifestyle changes and mindset shifts are equally important for achieving and maintaining weight loss. Many individuals have found success through adopting healthier eating habits, increasing physical activity, and developing a positive relationship with food.
Michelle Kloese: Small Changes, Big Results
At 40, Michelle Kloese felt like she didn't recognize her body. She'd gained 38 pounds and developed high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and plantar fasciitis. After learning about a health app, Personify Health, she signed up, logging her steps and water intake. She lost 38 pounds in the first year and 23 pounds the following year. She credits her success to small, sustainable changes, such as drinking more water, incorporating strength training into her routine, and making nutritious food swaps.
Patrick: The Power of Calories In, Calories Out
Patrick, a young man from Ireland, faced a life-threatening health crisis due to his weight. At his heaviest, he weighed 146.7 kg (323 pounds). His doctor warned him that he was days away from a medical emergency. Motivated by this stark warning, he started tracking his calories and creating a calorie deficit. He also incorporated exercise into his routine. Over time, he lost a significant amount of weight and transformed his health.
Gary Duffy: Finding Motivation and Embracing the CICO Diet
Gary Duffy, a 30-year-old solicitor in Northern Ireland, had struggled with his weight since childhood. After years of unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle, he reached his heaviest weight of 280 pounds. Motivated by a desire to improve his health and appearance, he decided to make a change. He used MyFitnessPal to track his calories and followed the CICO (calories in, calories out) diet. He also incorporated walking, running, weightlifting, and hiking into his routine. In about 18 months, he lost 140 pounds and transformed his health.
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Darragh Holland: Simple Nutrition and Turbulence Training
Darragh Holland, a personal trainer from Ireland, emphasizes the importance of simple nutrition and efficient training methods. He advises his clients to eat 5/6 meals a day every 2/3 hours, focusing on clean, natural foods and avoiding processed rubbish. He also incorporates Turbulence Training, a time-efficient workout method that combines strength training and cardio.
The Importance of Support and Community
Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in one's weight loss journey. Whether it's family, friends, or an online community, having people to encourage and support you can help you stay motivated and overcome challenges.
Ashley O'Driscoll: Sharing the Journey Through Podcasting
Ashley O'Driscoll, a mother from Dublin, faced persistent weight challenges after childbirth. After years of failed diets, she turned to Ozempic and experienced significant weight loss. However, discontinuing the treatment led to weight regain and other issues. Determined to maintain her progress, she resumed the injections and shares her journey through her podcast, "Ozempic and Me," highlighting both the benefits and challenges of using such medications for weight management.
Claire: Finding Community and Sharing Tips
Claire, who has been on Mounjaro since June 2024, emphasizes the importance of finding an online community for support and tips. She says that having access to other people's experiences and advice can be incredibly helpful, especially in the early stages of the journey.
The Challenges and Realities of Weight Loss
It's important to acknowledge that weight loss is not always easy and can come with challenges and setbacks. Some individuals may experience side effects from medications, while others may struggle with the cost of treatment. It's also important to be aware of the potential for weight regain after discontinuing medication.
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Saoirse: Resisting Pressure and Prioritizing Mental Health
Saoirse, who has sleep apnoea, has faced pressure from family members to start on weight-loss drugs. However, she is resistant to the idea, preferring to try diet and exercise. She feels that these medications are for people who are severely overweight and is concerned about the pressure to lose weight for an upcoming family event. She struggles with anxiety and feels that the constant focus on her weight is making her feel very self-conscious.
Aaron: Addressing Stigma and Justifying the Cost
Aaron, a doctor who has struggled with his weight for a decade, decided to try Mounjaro after watching a talk by Prof Donal O’Shea. He found that it helped him to relit his body’s metabolism and limit cravings. However, he also acknowledges the stigma associated with using weight-loss medications in the medical field and the significant cost of treatment.