As a person born with achondroplasia – a genetic condition that causes stunted limb development – Operation Transformation chief Marie Clear (32) took a brave leap of faith that landed herself on national television programme.
But Co Tipperary, Cashel’s part-time nursing assistant, credits RTÉ’s weight loss program for giving her “a whole new lease of life.”
As the first minor character to appear on the hit show, viewers have seen her upset as she has long struggled with her body image, calling on people to “be kind to their comments”.
“I did become very emotional and overwhelmed because I was revealed as the leader and I didn’t like looking at myself and seeing myself for the first time.
“But this week, my mindset has completely changed. I can’t care what people think now, so it’s been an amazing journey for me,” she said.
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Mary (centre) with Action for Transformation leaders Stephanie, Thomas, Lorraine and Andrea.Photo: David Cantwell Photography
“Growing up, I was always stared at and abused, so I was very worried about being on national TV and what the comments would be like.
“The word ‘m’ is going to be used a lot and I’m just freaking out about it all and letting myself be really excited about what I’m going to see on all my social media channels.
“But I don’t see a single (bad) thing. All I see are positive comments. I open up to everyone, they just get to know who I am and my day-to-day life. It’s just to get across to all the little people The word, be kind, and that’s what I got.”
Her hard work is starting to pay off, she’s lost 5 lbs
In the past, she has experienced “scary” incidents such as being lifted by a random stranger on the dance floor of a club in Cork. This keeps her from going outside her hometown, where she says everyone is “lovely”.
Buoyed by the support she has received on the show, she is now planning to spend her first evening in Dublin on 6 February after being invited to George’s Bar.
“I’m going to be more open and start going out again. Why should I miss out? I’m going to really enjoy going out in Dublin. We’re going to have a big group and it’s going to be amazing,” she said.
Before the show, she drank up to four cans of Coke a day and started at 10 3 lbs.
Her diet and exercise program was tailored by performance experts Niamh Buffini and Dave Malone to meet her body’s needs.
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Kathryn Thomas and the Operations Transformation Team
Her hard work has started to pay off as she lost 5 pounds and was hailed as an inspiration by some viewers.
“A lot of little people, including moms, have gotten in touch with me because of my meal plan. Small people can get fat easily, so we have to be very careful about what we eat,” she says.
“I just feel good about myself.
I can’t do anything about what people think now
“This is the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m finally starting to lose weight and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Moderated by Catherine Thomas, Operational Transformation Every Wednesday at 9:30pm on RTÉ One
