Slimming World's Mark O'Brien inspires others with his weightloss

Imagine looking for a photo of yourself and the only one you have is your Confirmation photo. Why? Because for so many years you were so self conscious of your weight that you refused to stand in for photos. This was Mark O’Brien’s story. Fast forward to February 2017 and Mark is now in Leaving Cert, facing college later that year. Extremely conscious of his weight Mark decided he needed to take control. He tried dieting at home on his own which just didn’t work. Having seen posts on Facebook and how successful members had been he decided to go along to his local Slimming World Group. Just 3 days before his 19th birthday on 28th February he walked into Christine’s Slimming World group in Thurles, Co. Tipperary feeling very unhealthy, on inhalers, pains in his calves and knees, extremely self-conscious and a little nervous, expecting the room to be full of ladies. Delighted when he realised he wasn’t the only man in the room, he relaxed ‘a little’.

‘On my first day I weighed in at 20 stone 11 1/2 lbs, at 5ft. 11 ins. Walking through those doors the first day was one of the hardest things I ever did. At this stage I was overweight about 9 years. However, Christine was so encouraging, putting me at my ease and everyone else in group was so enthusiastic and helpful. By staying to group I made a new group of friends”. It was also great to know Christine had herself lost over 6 stone with Slimming World so she knew how I was feeling.

“Learning how to adapt my favourite meals was so easy, particularly my favourites chicken, salmon, chicken curry, as well as all those other foods I didn’t even realise were out there, with my Mother doing most of the cooking (remember I was studying hard at the time), I soon started to see the benefits. The hardest change was going to be staying away from fried food and white bread. Then realised I could have a Slimming World Fried Breakfast, wow.” On my first weighin I had lost 7 1/2 lbs I was thrilled and it spurned me on to keep going. After 4 weeks I had lost 15lbs achieving my 1 stone award. I continued often winning Slimmer of the Week in group. Going on to win titles such as Man of the Year, Mr. Sleek voted for by the members as well as ‘Greatest Loser’, was great for my confidence.

“Eating loads of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as meat, chicken, eggs, rice, pasta and potatoes, never feeling hungry, eating my treats and never feeling guilty, I continued to lose weight, incredible, but true. I love staying to group. Christine and everyone are so helpful and the encouragement from my group gave me the courage and motivation to keep going”.

Mark continued studying to his Leaving Cert and attended his Slimming World Group every week without fail. “I often pass people in the street and they walk by me not recognising me. Others can’t believe how well I look and when someone tells me how great I look it’s an amazing feeling. Though when someone tells you that you have inspired them to lose weight it’s just amazing”. “Although I’m not at my Target Weight yet, I feel confident and I know I will reach it. My aim is to finish college, get a job and keep my weight down”. Mark also persuaded Mum Mary to join Slimming World and they now both attend together.

Mark started college in September 2017, studying Engineering in CIT, weighing 5 stone lighter than the first door he joined Slimming World. Eating healthier and finally able to wear clothes he liked. Mark no longer uses inhalers and the pains are all gone. He now attends the gym regularly, loves walking and has taken up Hammer Throw. Visiting other groups while in college he always returns to his own group when home on holidays.

Mark’s Top Tips

- Stay to group and listen to everyone else’s stories and recipes.
- Food Optimise
- Be prepared; always have your favourite Free Foods available to snack on.
- Don’t be afraid to try new foods

Mark is a member of Christine’s Slimming World which meets in the Anner Hotel in Thurles every Tuesday with sessions at 9.30am, 11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

We are also delighted to announce that Christine is re-launching a group also in The Anner Hotel on Thursday 6th September 2018, 2 sessions 5.30pm and 7.30pm

Follow Christine on Facebook ‘Slimming World Thurles’. Phone Christine on 087-912 2247 for further details