This Morning star Josie Gibson has opened up about her ongoing battle with lipoedema, revealing that the condition is deteriorating as she ages. The 40-year-old, who won Big Brother in 2010, appeared as a guest on Thursday's edition of the ITV show to update hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on her health.
Gibson explained that she was diagnosed with lipoedema about a year ago and underwent surgery in September. The condition causes a disproportionate build-up of fat, particularly in the legs and arms, and cannot be shifted through diet or exercise. 'I train, I don't overeat, I'm fit and healthy. They said I could train seven days a week and I wouldn't get rid of lipoedema fat like that,' she said.
The TV presenter noted that the problem has been present since childhood, recalling difficulty sitting cross-legged in primary school assemblies. 'My lymphatic system mustn't have been working as a child,' she added. Gibson also revealed that the condition affected her work while filming A Taste of the South West, causing her legs to swell and become sore after long days.
As a 'last resort,' Gibson opted for surgery, spending over £7,000 on treatment for her calves alone. She has consulted experts in Berlin and London. Despite the challenges, she has dismissed claims that she achieved weight loss through gastric bypass, stating on Instagram: 'I got off my big a**e, moved more, ate less and educated myself on what I was stuffing into my body.'
