As the new year approaches, Kerry Katona is making one resolution clear: she won't be rushing back to the gym. The former Atomic Kitten singer and reality TV star has opened up exclusively about her recent weight gain, attributing it to a hectic schedule of work commitments and necessary surgeries that have kept her from her usual fitness regime.
A Year of Surgeries and Setbacks
The mother-of-five has not exercised properly since April 2025, a significant shift for someone who previously trained daily. "I went and did Celebs Go Dating, then I had three root canals, then I had my boobs done, then my boobs broke and I had to redo them again – and I’ve been on tour," Kerry explains. This series of events, including two breast operations, has made her cautious about returning to intense physical activity too soon, prioritising her recovery above all else.
Despite the shift on the scales, Kerry says she is "brimming with confidence and feels happier than ever." This positive outlook is bolstered by her new relationship with boyfriend Paolo Margaglione, 34, who she says appreciates her new curves. "I’m in a very happy new relationship and I keep eating lots of food," she adds with a smile.
A History of Weight Fluctuations
Kerry's relationship with her weight has been well-documented over the years. Since finding fame in 1999, she has yo-yoed between a size 6 and a size 18. In 2021, a move back to Cheshire from Sussex triggered a difficult period of emotional eating, leaving her feeling like a "swollen beach whale." She has openly discussed using food to cope with quitting smoking and past traumas.
However, 2023 marked a major triumph when she lost an impressive 3 stone 6 pounds (approximately 22 kg), dropping four dress sizes to reach 9 stone 13 pounds (approximately 63 kg). She achieved this through calorie counting, yoga, weight training, and cardio. "You eat s***, you look s***," she candidly stated at the time about her straightforward approach.
Her weight dipped further to just 8 stone 7 pounds (approximately 54 kg) in early 2025, which she attributed to the stress of her split from fiancé Ryan Mahoney and the physically demanding schedule of a pantomime run, where she performed three shows a day.
Past Controversies and a New Mindset
Kerry's past methods for staying slim have sometimes sparked debate. In 2017, she underwent liposuction and a mini tummy tuck. The following year, she faced criticism for promoting SkinnyJabs, a £250-a-month appetite-suppressing injection plan, on which she lost over 2 stone.
Today, her focus has shifted. While eager to eventually return to a good training routine, she has no strict New Year's resolutions. "Every day I wake up and think, 'Right, I just want to be a better version of who I was yesterday,'" she says. Her current priority is healing, not hitting fitness targets. "I’m not risking anything that’s going to f*** up my boobs. They’re not moving until I’ve got the all-clear!"
For now, Kerry Katona is embracing a period of self-acceptance, supported by love and a renewed perspective on health and happiness as she heads into the new year.
