The shape I’m in: Operation Transformation’s Dr Eddie Murphy

WEIGHT management is a numbers game and Operation Transformation’s clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy is no exception, writes Irene Feighan. 

He weighs just over 14st, is 5ft 10ins in height and has a BMI of 28.5, putting him in the overweight category. His ideal weight is 12.5st.

“I haven’t been that weight since I’ve been 25,”says the 48-year-old.

But he is not about to beat himself up over it. Running up to three times a week, he says he is cardiovascularly fit. And he is conscious of portion control and late-night snacking. “They are the two areas I’d be focussing on.”

He first trained as a nurse before switching to psychology, and is now head of psychology with HSE Carlow and Kilkenny. He also has a small private practice and writes a weekly column for his local newspaper. Along the way he has found time to write a book, Becoming Your Real Self, due to be published in March by Penguin Ireland.

“The model I work is think complex, talk simple. It is to try to reconstruct complex psychological ideas into practical tools to help people. We are in the business of helping people move from depression to hope, from fear to freedom.”

A core philosophy is that change happens from the inside out, as demonstrated by his work on Operation Transformation.

“I am always interested in the inner journey of our leaders. Weight is measured on the weighing scales but for me it’s the baggage. It’s not what they are eating but what is eating them. The whole psychological support needs is where I’m at.”

Living in Portarlington, Co Laois, he is married to Carol. The couple have two sons aged six and five.

What shape are you in?

I’m in reasonable shape. I’ve completed the Dublin City Marathon for the past four years. As a psychologist though it’s pretty much a sitting down job. I try to do two 10k during the week and then a nine-mile run on the Sunday morning. I hope to start triathlons this year.

Do you have any health concerns?

I have exercise-induced asthma. It came on in my 20s or 30s. I take the inhaler before I go running and can run away no problem. I wouldn’t call myself asthmatic, though technically I am.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I always have breakfast and I love fish and vegetables.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Tayto cheese and onion.

What would keep you awake at night?

If I had a session with someone and I was concerned about them. I would be thinking about them, hoping they would be safe. Generally taking on too much. You can get pulled on all sides between work and different commitments.

How do you relax?

I like to run. Occasionally I might have a glass of wine. I am a people person, so I like being around family and friends. Also, I like holidays — who doesn’t! I listen to travel programmes and I dream about going to Everest base camp.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Leonardo da Vinci, Abraham Lincoln, Buddha, and William Murphy, my paternal grandfather whom I never met.

What’s your favourite smell?

The smell of my newborn boys — pure, innocent and hope.

What would you change about your appearance?

I wouldn’t mind losing a few pounds. In terms of my appearance, I’m very happy. I believe in becoming your real self rather than the front that’s put up in the world. When you put that energy into your real self rather than the front, you’re a much more happier person.

When did you last cry?

I am quick to tears in emotional situations, except at work. But if I’m watching something that I think is quite emotional I can be quite tearful. A friend of mine passed away in the last six months and I’ve another friend who is about to pass away — you’d be in a more tearful phase of your life.

What trait do you least like in others?

Pretentiousness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

My untidiness — having papers everywhere. I am a constant work in progress.

Do you pray?

I do but not the traditional way. I pray by reflection. For example, I went to Glenstal Abbey to write the book — for about nine days in all. Everything is a form of prayer.

What would cheer up your day?

Being around people who I love. My family, my wife and children. My needs are simple.