Alison Hammond, the beloved This Morning presenter, has candidly shared the remarkable story behind her impressive 11 stone weight loss, attributing her success to confronting a "childish mentality to food" and eliminating her favourite treats from her diet. At her heaviest, the 51-year-old television personality weighed 30 stone, a point that prompted a serious health warning about pre-diabetes, ultimately motivating her to pursue a comprehensive healthier lifestyle overhaul.
A Health Warning That Sparked Change
Alison's transformative journey began five years ago when she received a pre-diabetes diagnosis, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet at diabetic levels. This health scare served as a critical wake-up call, especially given her mother's history with Type 2 diabetes. "My mum had Type 2 diabetes and she was worried for me, so when I then found out that I was pre-diabetic, that was frightening," Alison explained in a previous interview with Women's Health. "I thought 'I have to be an adult about this'. The sweets had to stop, and the fatty foods." This realisation marked the start of her dedicated path to wellness.
Overcoming a "Childish Mentality" with Food
Central to Alison's weight loss strategy was addressing her relationship with food, which she described as immature, particularly regarding her weakness for toffees. "I had a childish mentality with regards to food, especially toffees – but now I'll only have a couple a day," she revealed in a conversation with the Radio Times. Embracing moderation rather than deprivation, Alison emphasised that she doesn't deny herself anything but focuses on balanced consumption. "I don't deny myself anything, I eat everything, but in moderation," she stated, highlighting a sustainable approach to dieting that avoids extreme restrictions.
Embracing a Diverse Fitness Regime
To complement her dietary changes, Alison embarked on a rigorous fitness routine, starting with hiring a personal trainer five years ago, even at her heaviest weight. "I've had a personal trainer for five years, even when I was at my biggest," she noted. Her exercise regimen has since expanded to include Reformer Pilates, a form of Pilates popularised by celebrities like Meghan Markle and Jennifer Aniston, which costs between £25 and £40 per 45-minute session in the UK. "You feel absolutely incredible after it. I really need a good stretch - so Reformer Pilates has been brilliant for me," Alison shared, adding that she finds it beneficial for her stiffness.
In addition to Pilates, Alison incorporates boxing sessions and early-morning circuit classes at Blue Zone gym, often starting at 6:30 AM for a full hour of intense workout. "I'll go at 6.30am and do a full hour, it's a proper old-school gym," she said, describing the sessions as leaving her feeling "amazing" after hard work. She typically trains with her personal trainer about four days a week when at home, balancing it with walks during busy work periods. "If I'm working, I don't train, I'll go for a walk," she explained, showcasing a flexible approach to fitness that fits her schedule.
Wellness Practices and Avoidances
While Alison is enthusiastic about trying new wellness activities, she draws the line at certain trends, such as cold plunge pools. "I did try one of those cold plunge pools once - and absolutely not! It lasted about a minute. I was like, 'Why am I literally trying to kill myself?'" she joked in an interview with Closer Magazine. Instead, she prioritises relaxation techniques, including using a speaker under her pillow to play calming music and employing a sleep tracker to monitor her rest. "We're not getting any younger, are we, babes? You realise at some point you've got to look after yourself," she reflected, underscoring the importance of self-care as she ages.
Maintaining Weight Loss Without Jabs
Alison has consciously avoided weight-loss jabs, expressing caution due to "scary" stories surrounding them. "I think that, for people who need to use them, they're a good thing - but for me, as soon as I hear any scare story, I get frightened," she told Good Housekeeping UK. She remains open to the possibility in the future but currently relies on her disciplined diet and exercise plan to maintain her slimmer figure. Her commitment is evident in social media updates, where she recently shared a video of a gruelling boxing session, showcasing her padwork skills and slimmed-down physique in activewear.
Balancing Treats in a High-Pressure Environment
Even while co-hosting The Great British Bake Off, surrounded by tempting cakes, Alison has found a way to indulge sensibly. She revealed to the Daily Mail that she only samples the baked goods that receive high praise from judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. "I eat a bit of Paul and Prue's after they've finished judging. I only try the ones that got a handshake from Paul or ones that won. If the judges aren't impressed, I'm not trying it," she said, demonstrating her continued focus on moderation and quality over quantity.
Alison Hammond's weight loss journey is a testament to perseverance, self-awareness, and a holistic approach to health. By tackling her food habits head-on, diversifying her fitness activities, and prioritising well-being without resorting to quick fixes, she has not only shed 11 stone but also inspired many with her relatable and sustainable lifestyle changes.
