In 2023, Tipperary woman Marie Clear joined Operation Transformation in the hopes of turning her life around.
At the time, the then 32-year-old lived at home with her mum, Angela, in Cashel, and worked part-time as an SNA (Special Needs Assistant) with children living with disabilities.
Born with Achondroplasia - a genetic condition that slows down the growth of bone in the cartilage of the growth plate - Marie told viewers that her independence was extremely important to her, and she was worried that it was beginning to slip away.
Fearful that her health and weight were going in the wrong direction, she committed to a professional plan to start making changes to her movement, exercise, and nutrition.
Not only that, but she worked on her social skills and confidence. Before the show, Marie told Dr. Eddie that she felt that she "has cameras on her the whole time" as people would often stare at her in public, sometimes even taking unsolicited photos or picking her up.
During the show, with newfound confidence, Marie committed herself to enjoying things she had put off before, even finding a night to paint the town red with Drag Queen Davina Devine.
One year on from her OT experience, Marie says her life is unrecognisable.
Speaking at RTÉ's media event earlier this week, Marie told RTÉ Lifestyle that the year has flown but that her progress - both mentally and physically - has been "absolutely amazing".
"My life has totally changed," she explains, noting that she has fallen in love with working out and lifting weights.
"It took baby steps, and I just found my confidence then," she continues. "No one is actually looking at you in the gym, we're all just trying to get our happier and healthier lifestyle."
Now lifting a whopping 65kg, Marie says that setting fitness goals has helped to build her self-esteem.
"It's not all about losing weight, it's being stronger in your body and feeling better in your body. I really enjoy it because it's something that I never would have dreamed of doing, but now it's something I love. It's not a challenge, it's something I love."
Reflecting on her OT journey, Marie admits that once the cameras leave, it can be a little nerve wrecking to commit to the plan. However, she says the team of experts and presenter Kathryn Thomas have been her cheerleaders every step of the way.
"If you're struggling, you can reach out," she insists. "I've been chatting with Kathryn Thomas for the 12 months. It's just about finding yourself. You were under this limelight and then it dies down, you might struggle but reach out to someone and learn to get motivated again. Something will click there."
Setting goals and finding a routine that works has set Marie on a new path, and she's still finding joy in everyday results - even something as simple as being able to wear a pair of jeans.
"The biggest change is that my confidence has come on," she says. "Being able to wear clothes that I've never worn before - that brings on confidence as well. Feeling good in your body and to look in the mirror and think 'wow'. To be wearing things that are actually showing my figure is great."
Comparing January 2023 to January 2024, Clear insists that the biggest change in her life has been her mindset.
"Accepting myself for who I am because I'm me and that's not going to change," she explains. "Nothing is going to fall in place for you until you love yourself."
As a person with Achondroplasia, she says the messages that she gets from the public and from those with the same condition have been especially touching.
"For me being able to inspire someone else? That's huge. So many people have reached out to say that if you can do it, I can do it. That's amazing."
