Television presenter Josie Gibson has shared a powerful and candid message about her health, posting an inspiring workout video while discussing her ongoing battle with a genetic condition.
Opening Up About Lipoedema
The 40-year-old This Morning star took to Instagram on Friday to document a gruelling gym session, wearing black workout gear as she powered through a circuit of treadmill running, weight lifting, and core exercises. In a heartfelt caption, Josie revealed she was diagnosed with lipoedema last year, a chronic condition that causes abnormal fat retention.
"Hope this inspires someone out there…not that I think I’m an inspiration…I'm just one of those who is constantly fighting my genetics," she wrote. Josie explained she had always suspected she had the condition, stating, "the fight is real as my body retains fat unlike a normal body should." She admitted she hadn't shared the news earlier as she felt it was "pretty obvious anyway."
Understanding the Condition and Celebrating Progress
According to the NHS, lipoedema is a long-term condition where fat and connective tissue build up in the legs, hips, bottom, and sometimes arms. It almost exclusively affects women and is distinct from obesity. For many, it significantly impacts daily life, physical health, and emotional wellbeing.
Josie's post comes just days after she celebrated the new year in Thailand, showcasing her incredible five-stone weight loss at a beach party. She looked sensational in a green halterneck crop top and matching trousers, dancing happily with friends. This transformation followed her revelation last year that she achieved the loss naturally, without surgery or weight-loss injections.
A Natural Approach to Health and Fitness
In a previous Instagram post, Josie was emphatic about her methods: "I didn't get a gastric bypass; I got off my big a**e, moved more, ate less and educated myself." She detailed following the 'Do The Unthinkable' plan from MuscleFood, a 12-week programme involving delivered meals and workout plans.
Her approach included six strict days and one cheat day per week. "Now on that one day off, I had one cheat meal," she advised. "I didn't go crazy... Just have your one cheat meal and enjoy it. Don't have a binge."
Josie has also been vocal about rejecting weight-loss jabs, preferring a natural route. "I don't want to mess around with my body, I like everything natural," she stated. Through her honest posts, Josie aims to motivate others, concluding her recent video message by saying: "Gyms can be intimidating sometimes but we are all there for the same reason."
