OPERATION TRANSFORMATION

Operation Transformation is an 8 week health and fitness programme starting on Wednesday 4^th January 2023 at 9.30pm on RTE 1 https://ot.rte.ie/  and with five remarkable leaders, a refreshed visual identity and some new features as it continues to inspire audiences to live a longer, healthier, happier life. It connects communities all over Ireland with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing. 

This new series sees five brand new leaders from all over the country take on a health and wellness plan under the careful supervision of four qualified experts with the aim of resetting and kick-starting a new chapter in their lives. Presenter Kathryn Thomas will be on hand to encourage the leaders every step of the way.

Now entering its 16^th series, the show has continued to evolve each year with 72% of viewers who tuned into the show last season saying they were motivated to make one or more changes to improve their health.*

The evolution continues this year with the focus still very much on overall health and well-being. The leaders will have a weekly health check in where 14 health indicators, will be monitored.  These include Upper Body Strength, Balance, Lower Body Strength and Cardiovascular adding to the usual Hydration, Blood Pressure, Metabolic Age, Weight, General Health, Nutrition, Movement, among others. During the series Professor Niall Moyna will also highlight the importance of everyday movement and how best to utilise outdoor amenities when it comes to daily exercise.  

Following a slew of requests from viewers for updates on how previous leaders are getting on since their transformation journey on the show, OT has listened. In the upcoming series we will check in with our previous leaders about their experiences since taking part in the show. Leaders will share their personal stories and their own tips, their highs, and lows as they continue to prioritise health and well-being in their lives.
 
Former OT leader Katie Jones will host the brand-new OT podcast. Katie was hugely popular with viewers last year and has been an inspiration to this series’ upcoming leaders. Each week Katie will also talk to a former leader in the company of one of the OT experts to help everyone on their wellness journey.
 
OT is also set to welcome new dietitian Sophie Pratt. Sophie, a CORU registered dietitian and a member of the Irish Institute of Nutrition and Dietetics, joins Dr Sumi Dunne, Dr Eddie Murphy and Karl Henry on our OT panel of experts for 2023.

Numerous scientific studies have proved that connecting with others can lead to a healthier mindset, improved self-worth and greater enjoyment of life. Therefore, community will continue to be a key priority for the programme.
 
Among other changes as we head in to in 2023, OT will broadcast from Stradbally, Co Laois. Each week the leaders will meet the experts here as they chart their weekly Health Check-In. In partnership with SVT Activity and Wellness Hub and Laois County Council, the county will host the weekly Ad Break Challenges where OT Fitness Karl Henry will be on hand to get the community moving and the series will aim to boost awareness of health and well-being initiatives in the area.