Martin and Marion Shirran

Martin and Marion Shirran. In a world where permanent weight loss often seems elusive, Martin and Marion Shirran have emerged as pioneers in the field, offering a non-surgical, risk-free, and effective solution. It was the incredible media interest in the Surgical Gastric Band that piqued their interest, they immediately recognized the requirement for a non-surgical alternative. They were subsequently the creators of the renowned “Gastric Mind Band” weight-loss treatment, they have not only transformed many lives but have also ventured into ongoing research and developments that continue to shape the future of weight management.

The story began in 2004 when Martin and Marion Shirran opened their Elite Clinic in Southern Spain. Their initial focus extended beyond weight loss, encompassing a range of cognitive issues. However, it was their unusual approach to tackling obesity that garnered widespread media acclaim. It was hailed as a “pioneering approach to risk-free weight loss.”

In 2004, the Shirrans embarked on a project to develop a non-surgical, psychology-based, weight-loss treatment: the “Gastric Mind Band.” Recognising the need for a non-surgical, risk-free, weight-loss alternative, to the then popular Surgical Gastric Bands, they committed their resources to finance their innovative programme’s research, development, and real-person trials. The result was a treatment programme incorporating a blend of proven therapies, including their enhanced version of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, ‘TCBT’ which they ingeniously intertwined and underpinned resulting in an elevated level of success.

Their unique approach drew inspiration from Time Perspective Theories developed by Professor Philip Zimbardo at Stanford University, San Francisco, and the latest research findings on Neuroplasticity, enhanced by advances in brain-imaging technology.

The Shirrans’ treatment included their distinct underpinning technique, complemented by their Forensic Weight-Loss Questionnaire. Remarkably, the success rate of their treatment proved comparable to weight-loss surgery, but at a fraction of the cost and without the need for a general anaesthetic, ensuring a completely risk-free experience. The world took notice as national newspapers, magazines, and lifestyle TV shows showcased the programme’s impressive results.

The Shirrans’ journey reached new heights as they shared their insights on platforms, including interviews on the “Good Morning America” TV show in New York and “This Morning” in the UK. Their clients became television stars in their own right, as their transformation stories spread across the globe, gracing the pages of numerous newspapers and magazines.

With mounting media interest, the Shirrans took the initiative to train and license other therapists. Consequently, their ground-breaking treatment became available at select specialist clinics worldwide. Global publications such as Vogue, Marie Claire, and Hello have recognised their work as have every newspaper in the United Kingdom.

In 2009, the Shirrans introduced Pause Button Therapy (PBT), an upgrade to traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that became the cornerstone of TactileCBT®. PBT plays a pivotal role in their weight-loss treatment, ensuring its distinctiveness and effectiveness. Their research in this field gained validation through a research evidence paper written by Dr Theano Kalavanah, demonstrating the efficacy of Pause Button Therapy in permanent weight loss.

In 2012, Martin and Marion signed a publishing contract with Hay House, a leading Mind Body publisher in New York. Their first two books, “The Gastric Mind Band” and “Pause Button Therapy,” were published globally in early 2013. The endorsement by Professor Windy Dryden of Goldsmiths University, London, further solidified their innovative approach. The Shirrans’ impact extended to international academic circles, where they were invited to present their work at an International Psychology Conference at Coimbra University in Portugal. Two years later they presented their work alongside Dr. Sarah Clarke at the 2nd International Psychology Conference at Warsaw University in Poland. Professor Philip Zimbardo of Stanford University, San Francisco, penned the foreword for their book and hailed their contribution.

The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in the closure of their clinic in Spain. They then proceeded to develop an online, downloadable version of their programme, the award-winning and medically endorsed “My Weigh Less Treatment,”.

Their downloadable programme attracted the attention of several orthopaedic surgeons in both the US and Australia. The surgeons saw the potential to use the platform to deliver pre-surgery weight loss to their hip and knee replacement patients. The My Weigh Less programme is now used by a growing number of Orthopaedic Surgeons around the world. It was stated that pre-surgery weight loss resulted in reduced patient recovery time, reduced risk of wound infection, and reduced hip or knee implant complications such as pain, device loosening and infection.

In a world where the battle against obesity is a global issue, Martin and Marion Shirran are described as innovators in their fields. Their extraordinary journey, from founding the Elite Clinic in Southern Spain to revolutionising the weight-loss industry with their “Gastric Mind Band” treatment and the subsequent development of “My Weigh Less,” is a testament to their unwavering commitment to helping people achieve risk-free, long-lasting weight loss.

Oxford Therapeutics is now working exclusively around partnering with healthcare professionals prescribing GLP-1 agonists providing the second tier of patient support as directed by both the FDA and NICE.

Marion Shirran is a registered Stakeholder in NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; additionally, Marion is pleased to be involved in the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Obesity. Oxford Therapeutics Ltd – My Weigh Less gained the ‘Most Innovative Psychological Therapy” award in the Mental Health Awards 2022.

Lancaster – Birmingham University

Marion gained her degree from Lancaster University. Martin and Marion both hold Diplomas in Clinical Hypnotherapy. In 2005, Martin obtained a primary certificate in REBT / CBT gained at Birmingham University, School of Psychology. Additionally, Martin is a member of the International Hypnosis Research Institute. Registered in the UK with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.