Latest news with #OperationTransformation
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
RTE legend Joe Duffy's sweet gesture to ‘nervous' Kathryn Thomas ahead of new radio show as star says, ‘it was lovely'
KATHRYN THOMAS has shared the sweet message she received from RTE legend Joe Duffy following her brand-new radio gig. The former Advertisement 2 Kathryn now hosts her own radio show on Q102 Credit: Q102 2 Kathryn received words of support from Joe Duffy At the time, the popular presenter gushed over the opportunity to "put her own stamp" on the show. The star admitted she only felt nervous when she realised she had to operate the entire desk by herself. Radio 1 . "I was sort of learning on the job for the first month or two." Advertisement READ MORE IN KATHRYN THOMAS But, the radio star was given a major boost in confidence just a few weeks into her show when an She revealed: "One of the first cards I got was from "So, I got this card on my desk saying, 'Your sound is brilliant, you sound bright, keep it going, good luck'. Which was lovely from one of the masters in radio." The 45-year-old had been manning the ship on the Q102 morning show for nearly six months now and it's safe to say she's found her feet. Advertisement Most read in News TV Exclusive The Carlow native previously hosted fitness programme Operation Transformation for over 13 years, before the broadcaster "wrapped" the series due to a "refresh and renew" of their TV listings. Kathryn has now admitted that she "knew" her time was up on the show before the station had decided to axe it. Kathryn Thomas shares wedding day nightmare The host confessed: " Even though RTE wrapped the show, I knew my time had come to an end and I had made that decision. " I had been there for thirteen years and I work best when I am engaged and challenged. I like challenges. " Advertisement 'SOMETHING NEW' The mum-of-two revealed that having young kids left her in "mum mode" for quite some time. But, with her daughters now that bit older, the Irish host confessed that she was "ready for a new challenge". She continued: "Since I decided to step away from Operation Transformation, then doing my documentary , The Skinny Jab revolution, getting into that documentary space , it's like me digging my teeth into something new. "I just needed something new." Advertisement
Irish Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Kathryn Thomas confirms new podcast as she shares Rose of Tralee plans
Kathryn Thomas has announced she is set to launch her own podcast – as she confirms her return as co-host of the Rose of Tralee. The former Operation Transformation host confirmed the Kerry festival is set to return to our screens on August 18 and 19. But the Carlow star and Q102 breakfast presenter is also planning to launch own podcast soon. Kathryn said: "I'm probably the last person in Ireland to do a podcast. My agent has been onto me for literally eight years about it. I didn't have the time or the headspace. "And we're in the middle of doing a pilot for RTE as well so there is a lot going on. "I can't ignore the podcast space anymore. As a woman now in her 40s there are certain subjects that I want to chat about, and I want to know more about, that I listen to other podcasts for. "It's for everybody but mostly women, I think. I'll be different perspectives from your 35 to 40s etc… it is kind of looking at maybe unlearning stuff that we thought we knew. As we mature through life our perspectives change. "But we're still in the pilot stage at the moment. It's always exciting to be working on something new creatively." Opening up about the Rose of Tralee returning, she said: "We are locked and loaded and ready to go. I've got dates in the diary of what Roses to meet. That's all happening. "It'll be the 18th and 19th of August. It'll be a long week because I'm broadcasting my radio show from my bedroom in the Meadowlands Hotel…. someone said they'll send me a microphone. That'll be from 7am until 10am on the Monday and then three hours of live television. "But the craic down there will be absolutely mighty." And she said her co-host Daithi O Se will return again this year – if he isn't living in Aras An Uachtaráin by then. She said, jokingly: "Daithi could be in the Aras at that stage…. He's back. I think he's on holiday in the States at the moment. He comes back with a glow-up. He's got the tan; he drops a few pounds and he's off the drink. He comes back Rose of Tralee-ready and I've had a whole summer of eating and drinking. "I haven't spoken to anyone yet but I'm sure there's always going to be big stories. I don't know what is going to happen this year, but I know that nothing will surprise me. "You have to have the mix whether it is a poem or a reflection, then me on a rowing machine with another Rose giving it socks… it is very individual and very unique and that is why we love it," she said. The mum-of-two was speaking at the launch of Uisce Eireann's national appeal which is encouraging the public to help protect the country's water supplies by adopting simple water-saving practices at home, in the garden, and at work. Already the water network is experiencing increased pressure on supplies across several regions, including counties Dublin, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Donegal, Meath, Westmeath, Clare and Wexford. The aim of the appeal is to remind the public that saving water doesn't have to be difficult. By making small adjustments, we can all contribute to managing water more efficiently. Kathryn added: "It is important that we all consider our water usage habits not just during the summer months but all year round. "Simple changes can have a real impact and collectively we can all help maintain our water resources." Margaret Attridge, Uisce Éireann's Head of Water Operations added: "In the days and weeks ahead, we would appeal to customers to take the opportunity to really consider their water usage and reflect on the daily and easy actions they can take to play their part in ensuring our water resources are used wisely and in a way which benefits, not only your own household but also the wider community. "Simple steps can have a big impact in helping to maintain water reserves. Whether it is using a watering can in the garden, or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, every individual action counts, and all adds up to making a positive contribution to benefit everyone." For those looking to track their progress and learn more about water conservation, Uisce Éireann has developed an easy-to-use conservation calculator, which allows people to track their personal water usage. To access the water conservation calculator or find out more about water conservation tips visit
Irish Independent
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dr Eva Orsmond: ‘Irish women need to look after their bodies and stop putting their kids before their health'
Orsmond, who was on the panel of experts on the now-defunct Operation Transformation, also said she went on her first diet at the age of 11 and makes no apologies for it. The diabetes specialist, who runs clinics in Dublin and Galway, is known for her acerbic tongue and unapologetic straight-talking, and said she is 'frustrated' by Irish women. 'I often ask my Irish clients who the most important person in their lives is? They might say, 'Oh, my husband' or 'My children' and that is nonsense,' she said. 'It shouldn't be like that – that is the wrong answer. It should be yourself. There is nothing wrong with liking yourself – how could you like someone else if you don't like yourself? 'And really it should be your partner and not your children, because children should come afterwards. I really believe that. 'There is nothing wrong with liking yourself, because how could you like someone else if you don't like yourself?' The Finland-born doctor said she started dieting as a schoolgirl, on the advice of her mother, and has no regrets. 'I like being slim because it is good for me and to be honest, I am quite vain. I was on my first diet with my mother when I was 11 to lose a few kilos, so dieting is in my DNA,' she said. 'I cannot complain about my childhood because I didn't have so much, but the best thing I would say that my mother gave me was respect for my body and looking after myself. 'I'm very vain, I like to look as best as I can. That doesn't mean that I go to the gym with make-up on or look great all the time, but I like to fit into nice clothes'. Orsmond is the first guest on the second series of the Under the Grill podcast, with celebrity chef Kevin Dundon and co-host Caoimhe Young. In each episode, a well-known Irish personality chooses a dish from their childhood and Dundon cooks it up in his kitchen, setting the scene for some warm conversation. Orsmond, who has two grown-up sons, worked in her homeland, as well as in Bangladesh and Namibia, before moving to Ireland in her mid-30s and making Dublin her home. She said she has great admiration for Irish people and the Irish 'mentality'. Orsmond said she hopes to meet a 'nice Irish man' and loves being in the public eye and being recognised when she is out and about. Irish people are so polite 'Ireland has only brought goodness to me. Irish people are so polite,' she said. 'I think it's once in the last 25 years that somebody has approached me on the road and said something negative. It's actually very nice for somebody like me who is an immigrant. When I came here I didn't know anyone. Nobody. Not one person. 'It's nice because it makes it obviously so homely and there is this thing, you know, when you go to shops and people talk to you. 'There as a lady in Dunnes Stores the other day and she was presenting, you know, some food demonstration and she started to talk to me like we knew each other.' Under the Grill is on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
The Irish Sun
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I was on RTE's OT but I've lost 27lbs in weeks with €235 jabs and still eat burgers and pizza, it's changed my life
FROM appearing on Operation Transformation at 27 stone to trying brutal low-calorie diets, Mark Fearon has struggled with his weight for the past 15 years. But the 6 Mark appeared on Operation Transformation 15 years ago 6 Mark is happier than ever since dropping the pounds 6 Mark can still enjoy pizza and a drink Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been growing in popularity in Ireland over the last few months. By activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro slows down the emptying of the stomach, making you feel fuller for longer and reducing appetite. And Mark, from Stepaside, told how while his weight has "crept" up over the years, he's starting to see real results with the drug. Now weighing 19 stone, 47-year-old told the Irish Sun: "Ever since then I have been trying to lose 10 stone and I have gotten the weight down but never the 10. "The weight kept creeping back and ever since then I decided I had to do something about it. "Weight loss is obviously one of the main side effects of Mounjaro, as I lost 27lbs in just six weeks. "I've lost weight quickly before but this is different, I'm actually eating loads of calories. "I am having around 2,500 calories a day so I am not starving myself." Mark, who appeared on hit He said: "When I tried to lose weight before, I would eat very few calories, but this resulted in me having very little energy. I went from 27 lbs in six weeks with Mounjaro after 15 years of trying to lose weight it has completely changed my life "So this time I am actually eating enough calories to keep active, so I am actually in the gym all the time. "For the first time losing weight, I am actually feeling great doing it, I'm not feeling deprived. "I'd eat well during the week and then at the weekends I'd love takeaways. "Pizza and burgers being the favourite but there isn't much I wouldn't enjoy eating. "It's amazing, but the urges for these foods are just gone being on Mounjaro. "Without Mounjaro I'd be saying, 'Well I had a burger so there's no point eating well for the rest of the day' and would throw in ice cream and chocolate. Now I eat without any urges of a binge. "In the past six weeks I have eaten out a few times where I had a pizza and a burger but the difference is that I had them and that satisfied me." Speaking about the side effects, he said: "I get heartburn a bit more but I just pop two Rennies and it's gone. "Obviously, there is the risk of stopping taking it and putting the weight back on but is that not the case with every single diet?" 'BIG DIFFERENCE' And Mark hit back at the haters calling it the "lazy way out" as he revealed he has so much energy that he does not even watch television anymore. He said: "I'm up at 5am every morning before work so I can go to the gym and this is while I'm losing serious amounts of weight. "The big difference with Mounjaro is I am still able to eat, but I eat what I need, no more, as the desire to overeat is gone. "I have so much energy now and it has made me so active that I don't even watch TV anymore, as when I sit down all I want to do is get up and be active." When asked on the financial aspects of the weight loss jab, Mark said he was "just swapping one thing he spent money on for another" in relation to takeaways, dinners and drinks. He said: "I'd spend easily €50 per week on takeaways, plus throw in tubs of Ben and Jerry's. "Mounjaro costs me €250 per month from the North. This includes the monthly consultation, the Mounjaro and the tracked delivery to my home. "The greatest thing about the price is that no matter the higher dosage you go on, the cost stays the same. "And that cost is easily what I spent on food I didn't need to eat and no longer do on Mounjaro." Mark said he has full support from his doctor, adding: "I do get my Mounjaro from the North but my GP is fully aware of it and is also very supportive of me being on it." SUPPORT SYSTEM Mark has been sharing his weight loss journey for more than 15 years on Facebook, Instagram and more recently on TikTok. He said: "I get a lot of private messages from people asking questions especially about Mounjaro. "Some people want to do it, but really do not want anyone to know." WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF WEIGHT LOSS JABS? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections include: Nausea : This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting : Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea : Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation : Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort : Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite : This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion : Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Pancreatitis : In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems : There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors : There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems : Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) : Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. But Mark has no shame or secrecy when it comes to his journey and said his family have been "very supportive of him". He said: "I have been trying for 15 years to get my weight to a place I'd be happy with. "I set myself a target of losing 10 stone, then I've never accomplished it, I'm now 19st 13lbs and I've lost 27lbs in six weeks on Mounjaro. "I know I will get to my goal of that 10 stone down now with the help of Mounjaro. "My friends and family know how important that is to me, and they are very supportive of me being on Mounjaro." The latest weight loss drug was only approved for use in Ireland in early 2025, being licenced for use as a treatment for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. And Mark is not the only Irish person seeing big health changes since trying the fat jab. EATING 'ADDICTION' Irish mum Sandra Keogh spent hundreds of euros every month on Doritos as her The former weight loss consultant, 37, said she needed to urgently make a change but had already tried all of the usual routes. She said: "I felt unable to find the will to care what I was shoving in my mouth. "It was compounded by the fact that I knew what I should be doing I just felt useless. I had to try something else." But she had a light bulb moment one day after sitting down to watch a bit of reality TV. The "So after a while when I heard about availability here, I went and spoke to my doctor because I haven't had diabetes but I just needed something. "I knew what had to be done, but I didn't have the willpower or the motivation to do anything. "I started Ozempic in November 2023 after the doctor thought it was a great idea. "I was on it until February this year and when I heard Mounjaro was coming in, I was eager to swap because I had lost 33 pounds on Ozempic and I kind of had stalled. "When I heard that Mounjaro was going to be approved for weight loss here in Ireland, I thought, 'Right, I'm going to try and get it'. "I started taking it on the 25th of March and I began losing weight again." 6 Mounjaro was Mark's last resort to help him lose the weight 6 He documents his journey on his TikTok account 6 Mark is also working hard at the gym
Irish Independent
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Kathryn Thomas: ‘People just assume that when you're on the TV, you're loaded. I want to be able to provide for my family the way my parents did for me'
Kathryn Thomas: 'People just assume that when you're on the TV, you're loaded. I want to be able to provide for my family the way my parents did for me' The Q102 broadcaster on life on the airwaves, her No Frontiers days and being carried off stage at the Iftas Kathryn Thomas. Photo: Marc O'Sullivan Aoife Rooney Today at 03:30 Kathryn Thomas is a broadcaster and television presenter from Co Carlow. She previously hosted Operation Transformation and travel show No Frontiers while working at RTÉ. She now hosts a radio show on Dublin's Q102. She lives in Dublin with her husband Padraig, their daughters Ellie and Grace, and two dogs.
