The Story of BodySlims:
Building the Best Weight Loss Programme in the World
My name is Carla Piera FitzGerald and I am honoured to be the new face of BodySlims—a programme that changed my life in ways I once thought were impossible.
You may recognise my photos which went viral in both local and international media. I made headlines when I lost over half my original body weight, transforming from 323.8 pounds to 146 pounds. My clothing size went from a UK 24/26 (US 20/22) to a UK 8/10 (US 4/6). Once classified in the morbidly obese BMI category, I am now proudly in the healthy range—all thanks to BodySlims.
So when Gerard Moran, the founder of BodySlims, asked me to take the lead in bringing BodySlims to its next chapter, I did not even hesitate. As someone who has experienced the transformative powers of BodySlims firsthand, I feel that it is my responsibility to share its life-changing message and help as many people as possible become part of this incredible weight loss programme.
Life Before BodySlims
I had been overweight my entire life, with no “before” pictures to look back on fondly or aspire to recreate. If photos of me existed at all, they often looked the same—my shoulders weighed down by the burden of self-doubt, my smile forced to hide how I really felt, and my poses carefully angled to conceal what I truly looked like.
I lived life on the sidelines, too afraid to participate for fear of shame. As a teenager, I watched my friends try on clothes I could never fit into. At weddings, I had to order bridesmaid dresses that were different from everyone else’s. I had to walk sideways down bus aisles and request seatbelt extenders on planes. Summers were unbearable, not just because of the heat but because I had to cover up to hide my body. I avoided mirrors, shop windows, and even blank TV screens; I couldn’t bear to see my own reflection.
Still, I never gave up on the idea of losing weight. Like so many others, I tried nearly every diet imaginable: the famous diet clubs, keto, Atkins, the grapefruit diet, the cabbage diet—you name it, I probably tried it. While I experienced some occasional successes, the weight always returned, and usually with more added on.
I struggled deeply with food addiction and disordered eating. I was a recovering binge eater and a former bulimic. At my heaviest, weighing 323 pounds (23 stone), I truly believed I was a lost cause. With bulging discs, plantar fasciitis, and years of failed attempts behind me, I thought weight loss surgery might be my only solution.
A Story of Hope, Not Despair
Suddenly, I had a realisation: I had been letting a negative internal narrator dictate my life. That voice had convinced me that I wasn’t worth changing and that food was my only escape. But I was determined to take control, stop making excuses, and start truly living.
My sister, who had also struggled with her weight for most of her life, had joined BodySlims and successfully lost 92 pounds. Inspired by her incredible transformation, I thought to myself, If she can do it, maybe I’m not a lost cause after all.
So in January 2020, I made the life-changing decision to join BodySlims. For the first time, I decided to get out of my own way, surrender to the process, and follow the programme for 10 weeks to see what might happen.
Ten weeks later, I had lost 42 pounds. That initial success gave me the confidence to believe in the BodySlims programme and Gerard, the “Weight Whisperer” behind it.
Throughout the programme, Gerard spoke often about “Daring to Dream.” My dream was to lose 140 pounds—a goal I thought was impossible. But as I went through the programme, I began to build belief in myself and rediscover my sense of worth. I decided to go all in, striving to become the best version of myself and proving that I was worth the effort.
By March 2021, after completing four BodySlims cycles, I had reached my goal weight. Then, in January 2022, I gave birth to my first son after a happy and healthy pregnancy. By April of that year, I rejoined BodySlims to lose the postpartum 40 pounds I had gained, knowing exactly what to do and how to do it.
Today, I’m living my best life. Tasks that once felt monumental—walking up stairs, shopping for clothes, crossing my legs, sleeping comfortably, and even breathing—are now effortless.
BodySlims gave me the tools to take control of my life. It taught me how to prioritise my health, dismantle the “unplanned extension” I had carried on my body, and truly enjoy life again.
I have been given one of the greatest gifts of my life—the gift of freedom. I am so honoured that I can help spread the message and help other people to know that it can be done. You can achieve your dreams and live a freeing and wonderful life. If I can, you can too!
The History of BodySlims and Its Founder, Gerard Moran
BodySlims began as an experiment rooted in curiosity rather than a traditional business plan. Our founder Gerard Moran sought to create the best weight loss programme in the world, without prioritising for scalability, franchising, or conventional business goals. I sincerely believe that it was Gerard’s unorthodox approach that laid the foundation for what would become one of the most successful weight loss programs globally.
In 2013, after retiring from his previous business, Gerard was ready to embrace a slower pace of life. Despite having no plans to start another business, his interest in peak performance courses, which he had delivered in London, eventually sparked the idea. It was Sharon Tinkler, who had witnessed the positive outcomes of his work, who suggested creating a programme specifically for weight loss.
Initially hesitant due to skepticism about the weight loss industry and a commitment to maintaining personal integrity, the founder agreed under four conditions. The programme would:
- Be as appealing to men as it was to women.
- Remain affordable for as many people as possible.
- Prioritise being the best over scalability.
- Focus on weight maintenance as the cornerstone of its success.
Foundations in Science and Behavioural Research
Recognising that weight maintenance was often a greater challenge than weight loss, the programme was designed to instill sustainable habits. Drawing from the largest study on weight maintenance conducted at Brown Medical School, the team structured the weight loss programme around behavioral science. Participants like me would practice weight maintenance behaviors throughout the ten-week programme, reducing the challenges of sustaining their results long-term.
The early days of BodySlims involved meticulous research, planning, and experimentation. Working from a kitchen table, the founder collaborated with experts in medicine and sports science to refine the course.
BodySlims launched in two small hotel venues in Dublin with modest beginnings. Despite logistical hiccups—such as a missing wooden floor for accurate weigh-ins—these early sessions were memorable and set the tone for our company’s culture of teamwork and resilience. Sean, Sharon’s son, and other key members from that first event continue to play significant roles in the company today.
Word of mouth quickly spread. By the next course, rooms were full, and the programme expanded to accommodate more participants. People traveled from across Ireland to join, drawn by glowing testimonials.
Transitioning Online To Become A Global Success Story
Long before COVID-19, Gerard saw an opportunity to better understand participant behaviors and optimise results using data. When the BodySlims app launched, the online platform allowed the team to analyse behavioral patterns, identifying what worked best for sustained weight loss. This data-driven approach became the blueprint for success.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, BodySlims fully transitioned online, which also allowed us to expand its reach globally. The programme’s structure—a ten-week course with set start and end dates—stood out from the "always-on" model common in online weight loss programmes. This approach fostered a sense of community and accountability, which proved key to success.
I have seen firsthand how the programme's impact extends beyond weight loss, transforming participants’ lives in profound ways. Many customers like myself are inspired by the results. Like me, they have become advocates, sharing their experiences and encouraging others to join. This grassroots promotion has been the backbone of BodySlims’ growth, proving that integrity and excellence can lead to success.
BodySlims continues to innovate, guided by our belief that weight loss is only the beginning. Our true mission is to empower people to lead healthier, more confident lives—one participant at a time.
I've used Body Slims to lose 5 stone and I've really enjoyed the process. Inspiring people to take the right steps for themselves is no easy task but it's one Gerard is a master of.
Along with achieving great personal results on Body Slims, I have been impressed with the sound science underpinning the programme and the way it is used in a simple and practical way to achieve such exceptional results
Success Stories
If I can do it anyone can. Thanks to Gerard and all the team God bless you and I will keep you in my Thanksgiving prayers. I have always strove not to be a victim but you have made me realise I am a victor. May the Christ child be with you at Christmas and always. As I face into my 77 year happy and healthy and bringing back SEXY
61.4 lbs/27 kgs
Lots of people I meet after seeing my weightloss have questions on what Bodyslims is, what they can eat, what they have to do for exercise and all I can tell people is don’t think just book it now and do it, you won’t regret ever starting.
88 lbs
I tried on a dress tonight while doing the clothes clear out .. a dress that I wore to a ball a month before we got married and I fitted into it tonight ! I can honestly BS has totally changed me as a person for the better. This time last year I felt completely broken after mum died and settled for my frumpy mammy look too, I was exhausted all the time. Thanks to you and Ger, I stopped making excuses and started showing up for myself.
28 lbs
I used to hate upcoming events, hate having to leave the house, having to dress up and not just stay in those XL/XXL pjs. I dreaded it all to say the least. Fast forward 8 months with consistency, hard work, trust in the process, the programme, motivational videos, everything in between and all the other bodyslimmers support, guidance & advice, I am now down 3 sizes, size XL to a size M in clothes & 59lbs down in total.
39 lbs
This is my 3rd cycle of BodySlims and I’m down 80lbs since the end of September!. I’m finally within normal bmi and haven’t been this weight since high school. I could not be happier and Ger is right in that it feels brilliant and every day I get my present! A huge thank you to Ger, Sharon, Carla, the BodySlims team and the 80 friends doing the program with me and supporting each other!! Life changing and I’m forever grateful!!
80 lbs/36 kgs
