Josie Gibson, the 40-year-old presenter of This Morning, has revealed she is battling lipoedema, a chronic condition characterised by abnormal fat accumulation in the legs and sometimes arms. Speaking on the show last week, she said she had been secretly struggling with the condition and was diagnosed in September after fans pointed out her symptoms.
Gibson described her legs as feeling like they 'belong to another body' and said that despite regular exercise and a healthy diet, the fat does not respond to conventional weight-loss methods. She has spent around £7,000 on liposuction to ease discomfort.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at ZAVA, has now highlighted the warning signs of lipoedema, stressing that it is often misdiagnosed as obesity or lymphoedema. Key indicators include disproportionate fat distribution that spares the feet and hands, pain, tenderness, easy bruising, and a family history of similar body shapes.
Dr Wyllie warned that if left undiagnosed, symptoms can progress, leading to worsening pain, mobility issues, joint strain, and secondary lymphoedema. She also noted the significant psychological impact, including frustration, shame, and disordered eating.
While there is no cure, management strategies include compression garments, low-impact exercise, weight management, and good skin care. Specialist liposuction can be helpful in selected cases. Dr Wyllie emphasised the importance of validation, understanding that lipoedema is a medical condition, not a personal failing.
The NHS states that lipoedema is more common in women and can cause the lower body to appear out of proportion. It can lead to physical and mental health problems if not addressed.
