Ireland’s “Greatest Loser 2013,” who shed 280 pounds, has found love and Brianan McEnteggart, who once weighed close to 470 pounds, says her life has changed dramatically.

She now weighs less than 200 pounds.

What’s more, at a new size 14, she’s also found love.

Brianan told the Irish Mirror, “In the past I didn’t have the confidence to meet anyone, but things have changed over the past few months and I am really happy now.

“My boyfriend is called Keith and he is from Dundalk too. He’s a Slimming World member – he goes to a different group in Carrickmacross – and he’d actually heard my story before we even met.

“We met each other on a random night out and he recognised me as the girl who was Ireland’s Greatest Loser.

“Things took off from there and we’ve been seeing each other for just over six months now.”

“I have lost more weight and I am now at my target – I have 20st (280 pounds) off altogether now.

“Going over to London to take part in the Greatest Loser competition last year was really great for me, because it showed people how much I had achieved.

“It showed how, although the journey had been tough, what really makes a difference and helps you stay focused and on track is the support that you get from the group and going through the journey together with other members.

“Being in the Irish Mirror afterwards was a bit nerve wracking but I loved doing it and I loved reaching out to the Slimming World groups all round Ireland.

“Of course I was nervous going to London but it really helped me because everyone involved in the Greatest Loser competition had lost big amounts of weight like me.

“It was nice to talk to them and hear how their journey was, and it opened up my eyes to the fact that there are other people out there like me. It was also great craic.”

She revealed, “I am now at a healthy BMI and although I am still quite shy, my confidence has been growing bit by bit.

“I am definitely happier in myself too – I have a new job as well as seeing Keith so everything is falling into place.

“In the past I was too nervous even to go for job interviews – I spent a lot of time hiding myself away because of my weight – but that has completely changed and I now have the job I want.”

“People ask me advice about how I lost the weight but my main comment would be to tell them to try and live their lives and not be afraid to ask for support.

“I was that overweight girl who was hiding away three years ago but if you come out of your shell a bit maybe it will be easier to get the help you need.

“I was so nervous when I first joined Slimming World and walking through those doors was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

“But everyone, including my Consultant Fiona, was so welcoming and friendly and now my group is like family.

“They’ve been there every step of the way and I’m so grateful to them for easy journey for her but the results have far outweighed the hard times.

She added, “It was a hard journey, don’t get me wrong, but it was the best journey I have ever been on.
“The hardest part is being emotionally ready for being a different person physically.

“You can find it difficult if things aren’t going your way but sometimes you are going to have a good week and sometimes you aren’t and you have to take it all in your stride.

“Now that I have reached my target I am a bit more relaxed about things and I am enjoying myself a little bit more.”