An Irishman did the impossible to lose weight, something he had been trying to do for years. After several unsuccessful attempts, the 30-year-old decided to leave everything to focus on his well-being. He surprised his loved ones with his transformation.
Bryan O’Keeffe , 34, is a happy and fulfilled man today. But this was not always the case. During his twenties and his time at university, the Irishman experienced a significant weight gain after a sports injury. A new way of life then led him to relentlessly consume industrial dishes and fast food. So much so that the young man ended up weighing almost 153 kg.
Bryan then decided to go on a diet and resume sport, especially Crossfit. But it’s not that simple. The pressure of results and performance creates stress and a vicious circle for the body and the mind, generating a counter-productive effect.
Despite his efforts, Bryan didn’t seem to see any change. In 2017, the 30-year-old managed to lose 30 kg after moving to London. But upon graduation, Bryan fell back into his ways by ordering big takeout every day.
“ Weight loss was the thing I wanted the most, but I was not willing to make any sacrifices to achieve it in the long term ,” confesses Bryan, who will nevertheless try everything to achieve his desire.
In 2020, aged 33, Bryan moved to Palma, on the island of Mallorca where his doctor brother works. The latter advised him to change his habits and start on the right foot. But the yo-yo cycle persisted for Bryan and his body.
It was in October 2021 that Bryan decided once and for all to change his lifestyle. He settled in the fishing village Cala Figuera, where the temptation of food is weak. The Irishman then cut all ties for three months with his family who, to his surprise, accepted. Bryan finally continued beyond the three months: » I just felt like I had tried everything, and maybe it would take something as extreme as that to change , » says the young man.
Accompanied by his faithful dog, Bryan moved five hours a day: an hour of walk with his dog before spinning at the gym of the corner then to go swimming and running. A pattern that Bryan repeated every day to build discipline and resilience. “ I needed to push my limits ”. A way for Bryan to create a “ cycle of positivity”.
After quitting his job and focusing 100% on his weight loss, Bryan observed a change. His diet and his daily life have become healthier. A motivation that pushed him to continue on this path.
The young man finally managed to lose 63 kg in several months. Only his father, who has Alzheimer’s disease, knew about his son’s challenge. “ I was doing something that I had wanted more than anything for 15 years ,” recalls Bryan.
Her greatest wish would soon be shared with her family when she returned to Ireland. Bryan had warned friends of his of his surprise return so that they could film the reaction of his loved ones. In July 2022, after seven months of absence, Bryan reappeared, physically and mentally changed, in front of his loved ones: “ It was incredible. Everyone was so shocked and so happy for me. I will never forget it ,” rejoiced Bryan, who posted the said video on his TikTok account.
Bryan still lives in Palma with his partner and now shares his food and sports advice on the Chinese network. The Irishman encourages Internet users who want to do the same and take this opportunity to motivate themselves to continue their fight.