Josie Gibson has revealed she underwent a £7,000 surgery to treat her painful lipoedema condition. The ITV presenter clarified that what audiences mistook for weight loss was actually the result of her 'last resort' operation in September.
Speaking on This Morning, Gibson explained: 'You can't do it all at once in this country. And I was too scared to have it done abroad. But it's a lot of money and time. I've paid over £7k for just my calves.' She shared her journey hoping to 'inspire someone out there', describing herself as 'one of those who is constantly fighting my genetics'.
Lipoedema is a connective adipose tissue disorder predominantly affecting women, with approximately 10 per cent of women in the UK thought to be living with the condition. It triggers a disproportionate accumulation of abnormal fat, typically in the hips, buttocks and legs, though it can also appear in the arms. Unlike regular body fat, this abnormal accumulation cannot be shifted through exercise or diet alone.
Lipoedema UK has highlighted that many individuals are initially misdiagnosed as obese and struggle to receive the correct diagnosis for years. The NHS states that in its early stages, lipoedema may result in a person having larger legs, a slim waist and a significantly smaller upper body. As it progresses, physical alterations may lead to bodily disfigurement, triggering mental and emotional side effects such as low self-esteem, shame and embarrassment.
There are various treatments available, from lifestyle modifications to compression garments and counselling. Individuals with severe lipoedema may need liposuction to manually remove the fat. These procedures are not typically provided by the NHS, and patients often require multiple treatments. Lipoedema UK clarifies that this differs from cosmetic surgery, as it specifically targets diseased fat cells.
