This Morning regular and money-saving guru Jordan Cox has bravely revealed the details of a secret and devastating health battle with Crohn's Disease, a condition that saw his weight drop to a critical six stone.
A Shocking Weight Plunge and Hospitalisation
The 27-year-old, better known to fans as The Coupon Kid, shared his experience on the Crohn's & Colitis UK Podcast. He described being admitted to hospital, where his weight had plummeted to just six stone and ten pounds. Standing at over six feet tall, Cox recalled being "literally skin and bone," and still looks back on photos from that time in disbelief.
Doctors informed him he needed surgery to remove a diseased section of his bowel, but the procedure was too risky due to his severely low weight. To build him up, he was put on Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), receiving nutrients intravenously via a bag attached to him 24 hours a day.
The Long Road to Recovery
Initially, he was nil by mouth. He described a poignant moment when medical staff allowed him small amounts of liquid. "They did is get a sponge on a stick and they dipped it in a tea and if you brush this on your tongue you'll be fine," Cox explained. "It was the first taste of flavour I had in such a long time."
Jordan has since undergone two major operations as part of his ongoing management of the condition. Crohn's disease is a long-term illness causing inflammation of the digestive system lining, most commonly in the intestines, leading to symptoms like severe pain, diarrhoea, and fatigue.
Finding Positivity Amidst Adversity
Even during his hospital stay back in 2018, Jordan's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He told The Sun that from his hospital bed, he managed to make £1,000 by buying, reselling, and entering competitions, stating he needed to "make this time count."
In 2024, his career reached a new height when he officially joined the This Morning team as a regular contributor, sharing his expert money-saving tips with the nation. His story highlights a remarkable journey of managing a serious chronic health condition while building a successful public career.
What is Crohn's Disease?
Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The inflammation can affect any part of the digestive system, from mouth to anus, but often targets the end of the small intestine.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Extreme fatigue
- Unintended weight loss
- Blood or mucus in stool
The exact cause remains unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. There is currently no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and achieve long periods of remission.
