ITV's This Morning presenter Josie Gibson has spoken publicly for the first time about being diagnosed with a chronic health condition that has impacted her long-running battle with her weight.
What is Lipoedema?
In a candid social media post, the 40-year-old television star revealed she was diagnosed with lipoedema last year. The condition, as defined by the NHS, causes abnormal fat accumulation in the body, typically in the legs, hips, buttocks, and sometimes arms. It is a chronic issue affecting fat and connective tissue and is notably more prevalent in women.
Josie shared an inspiring workout video from the @anantaramaikhao gym on Instagram this Friday, where she was seen sprinting on a treadmill, lifting weights, and performing intense core exercises. She admitted she had always suspected she had the condition, stating it was a constant genetic fight as her body retains fat differently.
A Public Revelation to Inspire Others
Captioning the video, the mum-of-one wrote: "I was diagnosed with lipodema last year which I always knew anyway. So the fight is real as my body retains fat unlike a normal body should." She added that she hadn't shared the news sooner as she felt it was obvious, but now hoped her post might "inspire someone out there."
Josie, who has previously documented her transformation from a size 20 to a size 8, emphasised her ongoing commitment to fitness, saying: "I have been working out more... I'm just one of those who is constantly fighting my genetics."
Lipoedema's Wider Impact
The condition can significantly affect an individual's daily life, physical health, and emotional wellbeing. Josie is not the only celebrity to have spoken out about it.
Former Love Island star Shaughna Phillips has also been open about her lipoedema diagnosis. In 2023, she revealed she spent £25,000 on surgery, including liposuction on her thighs and calves, which she initially felt pressured to do after her TV appearance. However, becoming a mother to daughter Lucia changed her perspective, and she now prioritises spending on her home over further procedures.
Fitness remains a crucial part of Shaughna's life, especially after a full-body scan showed concerning levels of visceral fat around her vital organs.
Josie Gibson's decision to share her diagnosis publicly sheds light on a often-misunderstood condition, highlighting the personal challenges behind body image and the determination required to manage one's health.
