Lily Allen has confessed that a terrifying heart murmur diagnosis prompted her dramatic 19lb weight loss, not a new romance or body insecurities as previously speculated. The singer, 22, dropped from a size 12 to a size eight in just six weeks after adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Speaking to Grazia magazine, Allen revealed she discovered the condition during a routine check-up with a new doctor three months ago. 'I have been asthmatic all my life, but this was really scary,' she said. 'When they asked me how much exercise I did, I had to be honest and say hardly any.'
The star, who is dating Chemical Brother Ed Simons, now works out three times a week for at least 90 minutes. She has also cut out junk food, admitting she used to devour two packets of Ginger Nuts and two bags of milk bottle sweets while watching television.
Allen stressed her transformation was not about becoming 'some skinny minnie'. 'I will never be like that,' she said. 'I just like being more toned. It has made me really happy and I know I will never be super-skinny because I would never be happy.'
She also acknowledged her previous lifestyle was unhealthy, saying she was 'drinking too much and partying loads' over the summer. While she has cut back, she admitted she has not yet managed to give up smoking.
