Eight weeks ago, five inspiring leaders took on the Operation Transformation challenge, looking to a panel of experts for guidance and information that would help them gain and sustain a healthy lifestyle.
Some were seeking a better work/life balance, while others hoped to quit smoking or simply find the energy to keep up with their kids. No matter their motivation, the leaders put themselves to the test and led the nation into a new year of healthy habits.
On tonight's final episode, we saw the fab five strut down the catwalk and discuss the results of their OT journey.
Click through the gallery above to see all the glamorous photos.
Stephanie Bowden
Age: 31
Location: Dublin
Height: 175cm
Starting weight: 19st 3lbs / 122kg
Final weight: 16st 13.5lbs / 107.8kg
Total lost: 2st 3.5lbs
Highlight: A former elite athlete, Stephanie had stepped back from fitness as her struggle with anxiety worsened. With the help of Dr. Eddie Murphy, Stephanie began to get it under control, and said she found a better relationship with food. "I feel great", she told host Kathryn Thomas. "It's not life-changing for me. It's life-saving because I have children that I need to show them, this is what activity does."
"You see that outer transformation but the inner transformation, where you tackled anxiety that's held you back, restricted you, but now you're ready to go forward. You've crushed it", Dr. Eddie said. "I'm so proud of you and each of us on this panel is so proud of you."
Andrea Daly
Age: 38
Location: Laois
Height: 159.5
Starting weight: 14st 9lbs / 93.1kg
Final weight: 13st 4lbs / 84.3kg
Total lost: 1st 5lbs
Highlight: Having started off as a bit of a reluctant leader, struggling with believing that this challenge was right for her, Andrea has blossomed into a truly phenomenal leader and an inspiration. Despite not imagining being able to finish it, Andrea completed the 5k without walking or stopping. "I feel happier and I've more motivation. I feel good", she said.
Karl commended her on her commitment and drive, doing the 5k in her own way.
Thomas Hynes
Age: 50
Location: Longford
Height: 167cm
Starting weight: 14st 9lbs / 93.3kg
Final weight: 12st 13lbs / 82.1 kg
Total lost: 1st 8.5lbs
Highlight: Four years on from a heart attack and finding a new love of running, Thomas completed his first ever 5k with the help of host Kathryn Thomas, who ran alongside him and cheered him on. The family man wanted to set an example for his family, which he did, as well as for other men around his age. "You do have a responsibility as a brother, as a son, as a father, as all of those [to keep fit]."
Dr. Sumi Dunne praised him for showing men how to "take ownership over their own health, particularly with cardiac health and for that, we thank you."
Marie Clear
Age: 33
Location: Tipperary
Height: 118.8cm
Starting weight: 10st 3lbs / 64.8kg
Final weight: 9st 2.5lbs / 58.3kg
Total lost: 1st 0.5lb
Highlight: Marie has become a celebrated role model for both people with Achondroplasia and those trying to get their fitness in check, winning viewers over with her passionate attitude. Having spoken on the show about planning to become a mother in the next few years, Marie overcame some anxieties like going out for a night in Dublin and taking up swimming. "I have accepted myself, Kathryn, through this whole journey", she said.
Niamh spoke about working with Marie and forming a strong bond. "I think the biggest superpower you have going forward is you've backed yourself and you love yourself."
Lorraine Dempsey
Age: 42
Location: Wexford
Height: 165cm
Starting weight: 15st 2lbs / 96.2kg
Final weight: 13st 11lbs / 87.5kg
Total lost: 1st 5lbs
Highlight: Having started the show running on empty, primary school principal Lorraine Dempsey and mother of three was struggling to find work life balance. In the eight weeks since, she's set boundaries with coworkers to prioritise personal time and spent more time doing things that calm her. "It's been a whirlwind", she said. "It's future-proofed my health going forward."
Karl Henry praised Lorraine's commitment to rest as well as fitness. "She was incredible to lead the nation through how to go from burnout to balance and to do it healthily."
Watch Operation Transformation back on the RTÉ Player now.
