Donegal man ‘over the moon’ after losing 10 and a half stone in just over a year

On November 15 2023, Kieran Harrigan went to his very first Slimming World meeting.  

Now just over a year later he has reached his target weight with an amazing loss of 10 and a half stone.

Like many of us, a busy lifestyle, poor eating habits and a mixture of Covid-19 lockdowns had seen Kieran’s weight soar.  

Being at home with easy access to the fridge and the odd glass of red wine, or long work trips in the car with dashboard eating, saw unhealthy habits creep in.

Following a discussion with his doctor, and a recommendation to lose a few stones, Kieran decided to join his local Slimming World group in Newtowncunningham. 

Walking into the unknown

That first night there was nerves and uncertainty of walking into the unknown.  There is often a perception of what goes on inside the doors of a slimming group and that belief can be enough to put people off, however, Kieran soon found out it was nothing like he perceived and his decision that Wednesday evening would in fact change his life and possibly even save it.

Knowing his health was at risk due to his weight, Kieran decided to give it his all.  On his first evening he was greeted by AnneMarie, his consultant who put him at ease

and explained the eating plan to him.  Soaking up all the information, Kieran was delighted with the choice of foods that could be eaten freely including fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, potatoes, rice and so much more.

He decided he was going to follow the plan as closely as possible and was happy to learn that there was also a ready meal range available in Iceland and Dunnes Stores for the busy days to keep him on track. 

Unhealthy habits

That first week Kieran ditched his unhealthy habits and embraced the plan. Doing so he lost an amazing 9lbs and picked up his first half stone award. The encouragement

and support from other members in the group was wonderful and a real boost to keep going, by week two he had lost over a stone.

While it hasn’t always been easy and there have been challenges along the way, Kieran has always kept his health and his goals to the front of his mind.   When eating out and socialising he tends to do a bit of planning around what’s on the menu and what drinks he chooses. 

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While nothing is banned with Slimming World, some choices can prove a trigger and getting to know your triggers and danger areas can really help you protect your weight loss without missing a social life and tasty food.

In twelve weeks, Kieran had lost three and a half stone and was reaping the benefits of his weight loss, his doctor was happy with the changes and encouraged him to keep going and he was finding that hour on a Wednesday night at group really helped him to set goals, get ideas and inspiration along with encouraging others.

“Staying to group every week is very important to me, we always learn something and get ideas to make the journey easier,” Kieran says.

“Everyone is in the room for the same reason and hearing other stories and getting ideas can really help.  Losing weight is more than just choosing the right foods, you need to change your mindset, recognise areas that might be difficult to navigate and do a bit of planning.  Having the support from our consultant and others in the group really helps to make this easier and get you thinking.”

Many benefits

Since losing his weight, Kieran is seeing many benefits. His blood pressure, which used to be extremely high, is now normal. He can walk for miles and something people take

for granted, he can tie his shoelaces. Often the simple things make the biggest difference. 

“The health improvements are the big one for me,” says Kieran. 

“My doctor has been shocked at my health improvements and has a lot of praise for Slimming World. He can see first-hand the difference it has made to me inside and out.”

When asked by his consultant AnneMarie if he is proud of himself, he now says: “I am immensely proud of myself. You could say that I am over the moon.  I only wish that more

men would join Slimming World. I am happy to tell anyone who will listen how it has changed my life. You just need to take the first step, and you will be supported the rest of the way.”

Positive attitude 

Annemarie, who runs the Slimming World group in Newtowncunningham where Kieran attends, is so immensely proud of him. 

“Since the first day Kieran walked into our group he has been a breath of fresh air,” she says. 

“He has had the most positive attitude and a want to succeed. Each week we have watched with joy his results, he shares how he fits in socialising, exercise and a busy life while making sure he is never hungry and getting results. Hearing him talk about how his health has transformed is a real inspiration to everyone. Kieran knows the Slimming World plan inside out, he knows which foods are going to fill you up, he knows all the nutrition side and always encourages others. 

“The biggest difference I see in Kieran is his outlook on life, he is such a positive inspiring person, he never sees problems just solutions. If there is a week, he doesn’t lose weight or gains weight it doesn’t stop him, he knows that’s part of the journey and that’s life, it’s what you do next that counts, and by always looking forward with positivity and being open to change. Kieran really has changed his life for good and made a significant impact on everyone in the group.”

The group meets every Wednesday at 6.30pm in The Orange Hall, Main Street, Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal. For details of your nearest group go to www.slimmingworld.com.