Gavin & Stacey creator and actress Ruth Jones has opened up about the radical method she used to combat a lifelong chocolate addiction, which led to a dramatic weight loss and coincided with a difficult period in her marriage to husband David Peacock.
In a candid revelation, the 57-year-old star confessed to undergoing hypnotherapy sessions specifically designed to create an aversion to chocolate. The treatment aimed to rewire her subconscious associations with the sweet treat, which had been a constant source of comfort since childhood.
A Lifelong Struggle
Jones described her relationship with chocolate as something she "couldn't live without," a habit formed in her youth that persisted throughout her adult life and successful career. The emotional attachment made conventional dieting methods ineffective, leading her to seek alternative solutions.
The Hypnotic Solution
The aversion therapy worked by implanting negative suggestions in her mind whenever she thought about or encountered chocolate. "The hypnotist made me feel repulsed by the idea of it," Jones explained. The technique proved remarkably effective, eliminating her cravings almost entirely and facilitating a significant weight loss journey.
Personal Transformation Amid Marital Strain
This personal health transformation occurred during a challenging time in her 27-year marriage to David Peacock. The couple, who met at university, announced their separation in 2022, though Jones emphasises they remain on good terms and continue to work together professionally.
Jones believes the hypnotherapy not only changed her physical health but also contributed to a broader period of self-reflection and change. The weight loss became part of a larger narrative of personal evolution during midlife.
Life After Chocolate
The star reports that the effects of the therapy have been lasting. She no longer battles with chocolate cravings and has maintained her healthier lifestyle. Her experience highlights how addressing deep-rooted psychological attachments to food can lead to sustainable weight management, offering an intriguing alternative to traditional dieting methods.
