Séamas O'Reilly, a 34-year-old writer, embarked on a seven-week fitness programme to shed his 'dad bod' and improve his health. The journey began with a skinfold measurement at Roar Fitness in London, where trainer Sarah Lindsay assessed his body fat. O'Reilly, who had noticed his physique changing after becoming a father and moving to a sedentary job, decided to take action to offset risks of diabetes and bowel disorders, which run in his family.
The UK is facing an obesity crisis, with over 60% of adults overweight and a third obese. O'Reilly's experience is common among men his age, but he felt slower and less energetic while chasing his toddler. He was motivated by the proliferation of fitness plans and social pressures, though he acknowledges the potential harm of short-term body projects and the unattainable ideals promoted by social media.
O'Reilly's programme at Roar Fitness, costing over £3,000 for 12 weeks, aimed to turn him from a 'slob' into a 'fitter slob'. Despite his cynicism about before-and-after photos, he was curious about the results. The transformation was not just physical but also mental, as he grappled with the pressures of modern male body standards.
