Proud Marnie in slim contest final
A 19-year-old Wexford woman lost five stone in weight to reach the finals of a national slimming competition.
Marnie Dunphy was delighted to make it into the final 32 contestants in Slimming World’s Young Slimmer of the Year 2018 competition, chosen from thousands of 16 to 21 year olds who attend the organisation’s 18,000 groups throughout Ireland and the UK.
The competition recognises the achievements of young people who make long-term lifestyle changes to become more active, healthier and happer.
Marnie from Wexford town joined the Slimming World group run by Tamsin O’Neill in Clayton Whites Hotel. ‘I knew that my weight was an issue, yet like many young people I just didn’t know where to start when it came to eating healthily’, she said.
‘My weight had left me feeling more and more self-conscious, and it was starting to affect me in lots of different ways such as never leaving the house, having no clothes that fit me, being too ashamed to meet up with friends and having panic attacks in dressing rooms.’
‘The idea of joining Slimming World was nerve-wracking at first. I thought people might judge me for being young and overweight and I didn’t really think it was the sort of thing people my age did. I couldn’t have been more wrong though, everyone was really welcoming and there were a few other young people there too – so I felt a lot more at ease.’
‘My friends and family are really proud of what I’ve achieved – and I’m feeling quite proud of myself too actually. Eating more healthily has made me think about how active I am as well, so I’ve started walking a lot more and I’ve started yoga and I really enjoy it. Understanding my relationship with food has been a real eye opener and I’ve learned how to cook a bit too.’.
Tamsin O’Neill who runs the Wexford group said: ‘I’m so proud of Marnie. What she has achieved is so much more than just losing weight. I’ve watched her transform into a strong and confident person who has the world at her feet.’
Even though Marnie didn’t make the final shortlist she still feels like a winner.