Reviewed by Meresa Bergin
Synopsis
In January 2011 Gary Kirwan was morbidly obese, weighing over 41 stone. This book tells of his dramatic weight loss in the last two years. Taking the reader through the beginnings of his weight problem in childhood and early twenties, it follows his story to finally achieving control over his weight. It includes Forward by Today FM’s Ray D’Arcy Interviews with those closest to Gary, including his wife and his trainer Extracts from Gary’s weight-loss diary over two years, showing his ups and downs Gary’s inspirational story of his battle with obesity has gripped the nation. His journey will help others to begin to take control of their weight, highlighting weight management as part of a long term plan for a healthy life.
As I have always struggled with my weight and I am currently working to lose it I was very interested to read Winning a Losing Battle by Gary Kirwan.
Reading Gary’s story was incredible, I have suffered with weight issues since childhood not to the extend Gary had but I felt I could relate to the teasing, pain and self-hate that he expressed. But I was overcome with the course he showed, how he kept going even with all he faced. I liked how it kept a diary of his journey and you could see, feel like you were in each moment with him. Also I liked the list he made of things he wanted to do to encourage him and seeing as those moments become real for him.
I enjoyed reading his wife’s point of view of how the events had taken place, her will to help and support Gary was touching.
Winning a Losing Battle is not your typical weight loss book or diet book instead it is a touching and very human view of how it feels to stand out from the crowd in both a negative and finally a positive way, with courage and a real presence.
You are left with a message that is unexpected yet what you deeply needed to know, there is hope to change your life that you really can do it.
I think everyone should read this book; we all need to show the courage and will to lead better lives like Gary. This book has changed my view of life and shows me I can be who I want to be.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £13.99 (Paperback) / £5.50 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
