Ruth Corden, the 43-year-old sister of television presenter James Corden, has bravely opened up about her significant weight loss journey, which saw her shed an impressive nine stone. The civil servant and podcaster shared a candid photo from a time she described as having 'ballooned to a dress size 28' before taking control of her health.
From Size 28 to a Health Transformation
Ruth explained that two years ago, she felt she had lost all control over her eating and lifestyle. She reached a turning point in February 2024, deciding almost on a whim to make a change. "I just decided to lose weight," she stated, noting that while she had some issues with blood pressure, there was no single dramatic catalyst for her decision.
Her initial approach was straightforward: she began eating less and committed to just ten minutes of exercise each day. However, Ruth has spoken frankly about the challenges faced by people in larger bodies when seeking medical help, sharing a running joke with her father that even a case of tonsillitis would be blamed on her weight by a GP.
The Role of Medical Intervention and Ozempic
The journey took a more structured turn after a chance encounter on a night out with Dr Sophia Khalique, a London-based medical professional. After discussing Ruth's struggles with hormones and fertility, Dr Khalique approached the conversation from a "human level." Following a series of tests, they concluded that the medication Ozempic would be a suitable option to support her weight loss efforts.
Ruth has been under Dr Khalique's care for the past year, a period during which her remarkable transformation took place. She now lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, Matthew.
Embracing a New Lifestyle with the 75 Hard Challenge
Ruth's health kick is continuing full force into 2026. She has publicly committed to the rigorous 75 Hard challenge, a programme that requires participants to abstain from alcohol and unhealthy foods while completing two daily workouts for 75 consecutive days.
She demonstrated her dedication on New Year's Day, sharing a video of herself on a run despite initial hesitation. "75 hard has not left my head. Wasn't gonna do this run... But. I put on my shoes and did it," she captioned the post. After completing the workout, a red-faced Ruth told her followers, "Never regret the run." Her commitment has been met with a flood of supportive messages online.
Reflecting on her past self, Ruth shared an emotional insight. She described the woman she used to be as someone who felt compelled to be 'dazzling, loud, magnetic, unforgettable' simply to feel safe and claim space in a room as a fat person. "She was exhausted from performing just to feel safe," Ruth admitted.
In contrast, the woman she is today is, in her own words, 'softer, quieter, more herself.' She concluded that walking into a room authentically, without a performance, is "the bravest thing I've ever worn, terrifying in its exposure, freeing in its weightlessness." Her story stands as a powerful testament to personal health and self-acceptance.
