As the current series draws to a close on RTÉ One, it has been revealed that the leaders on Operation Transformation have collectively lost 100lbs.
John Conmy, Lucy Dillon, Noeleen Lynam and Clare Scanlan have collectively lost seven stone, two pounds since the series returned to RTÉ One last month.
Host Kathryn Thomas said the current season had been "the most inspiring and emotional" since the show began in 2008.
"There have been plenty of tears along the way and I couldn't be happier for John, Clare, Lucy and Noeleen that they have done so well on the plan," she said.
Thomas also paid tribute to the show's fifth leader, Dan Kennedy, who was forced to drop out of this year's show for medical reasons. She said he was "on the path to a healthier life now".
L-R Lucy Dillon, John Conmy, Kathryn Thomas, Dan Kennedy, Clare Scanlan and Noeleen Lynam
It is estimated that people around Ireland have also collectively lost 73,000lbs since Operation Transformation's Million Pound Challenge began on January 4.
"Half a million people have been watching the leaders as they changed their lives and they have inspired thousands of those viewers to make the move toward a healthier lifestyle," Thomas continued. "I am especially delighted that Operation Transformation is going year-round with regular updates on radio and online. It makes so much sense and I've no doubt it's going to lead to a healthier, fitter nation."
The season finale of Operation Transformation airs on RTÉ One on Thursday February 25 at 8:30pm and continues after the Nine O'Clock News.
The tears flowed on Wednesday night's penultimate episode as the leaders confronted the people they used to be.
At the start of the OT process, the leaders had spoken about their true feelings about why they applied for the show and took part in the 'Circle of Truth'.
The leaders look back
With the finale looming, clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy showed the leaders just how negative those feelings were with a wall of phrases they had personally used to describe themselves before beginning their food and fitness plans.
In the end, Dr Eddie invited the four leaders to destroy the wall of negative sentiments, saying: "I am so proud of ye all. You have all made an incredible transformation. These negative words are part of your past."
