Great British Bake Off presenter Alison Hammond has addressed the ongoing chatter surrounding her remarkable 11-stone weight loss, declaring she has grown "bored" of the relentless speculation about it.
The television personality shed the weight over five years, which sparked suggestions that she had "cheated" by using weight loss medications. Yet she revealed the reality was simply healthy eating combined with weight training.
"Really boring" speculation
Speaking in a fresh interview, Hammond said: "People are constantly talking about it, which I find really boring. I'm a big, beautiful, curvy girl. I've always been that way and I looked amazing when I was bigger as well."
She made the remarks during a chat with the Mail on Sunday, where she continued: "The only reason I decided to reduce my weight was because I was pre-diabetic and my mum was concerned. People's bodies shouldn't be up for discussion."
Her statement arrived weeks after a surprising remark she made about Ozempic, a prescription jab licensed for treating type 2 diabetes that produces weight loss as a side effect. During a conversation with The Times, she commented: "There's always room for cake, even with Ozempic."
Weight loss journey
Hammond, 51, ultimately dropped five stone following her pre-diabetes diagnosis. She has been honest about reaching her peak weight of 28 stone and briefly having a gastric band installed.
Nevertheless, the presenter insisted the weight loss that ensued came down to sheer determination, having previously detailed how she enlists three personal trainers who put her through rigorous sessions including Pilates, boxing, circuit training and weights as part of her weekly regimen.
She has consistently maintained that she steered clear of weight loss medication, describing the prospect of taking drugs as "frightening" after being told alarming tales.
Diet and new co-star
Hammond previously detailed two specific types of food that contributed to her weight loss during a discussion with Good Housekeeping, when she said: "The sweets had to stop - and the fatty foods."
She also revealed she remained a size 20 and hadn't reached her target weight, but crucially, her diabetes was now within the ideal range.
The latest series of The Great British Bake Off has launched, and chatting to the Mail on Sunday, Hammond disclosed her sole gripe about new co-star Nigella Lawson. She said: "She calls me 'my bride'. I'm like, You know I am in a relationship, sweetheart?' Nigella's got the full package: natural beauty, good with words, clever, well-read. But I still don't want to marry her. If I have a TV husband, it's Noel (Fielding)."
Hammond also revealed that her all-time favourite celebrity interviewees were Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling. The primary reason was that despite not having watched the film they were plugging, the Hollywood stars still enjoyed "such a lovely time" during their chat.
