This Morning star Josie Gibson has disclosed that she underwent a £7,000 liposuction procedure on her calves to treat lipoedema, a chronic condition causing abnormal fat accumulation in the legs and sometimes arms. The 40-year-old presenter addressed speculation about her weight loss after returning from a holiday in Thailand, clarifying that she had not lost five or six stone as rumoured.
Speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley, Gibson explained she was diagnosed with lipoedema about a year ago and had surgery in September. She described feeling that her legs appear disconnected from her body and noted the condition is worsening with age, now affecting her arms. Despite regular exercise and weight training, she opted for surgery as a 'last resort'.
The procedure involved liposuction followed by vasering, a technique that burns the inner layer of skin to cause contraction and tightening. Gibson acknowledged the high cost, stating she paid over £7,000 for her calves alone, and noted that surgery cannot be performed all at once, requiring multiple sessions. She expressed awareness that many people cannot afford such treatment.
Lipoedema is a genetic condition primarily affecting women, often triggered by hormonal changes. It leads to disproportionate fat buildup in the hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms, while hands and feet remain unaffected. Management options include compression, massage, diet, exercise, and sometimes liposuction to alleviate symptoms and prevent progression.
This revelation follows Gibson's previous disclosures about health issues, including a diagnosis of gout—a condition she associated with historical figures like King Henry VIII—and a breast cancer scare that led to the removal of her breast implants.
