Richard Osman has revealed that his food addiction, which began when he was nine years old after his father left the family home, remains 'absolutely ever-present' in his life. The 53-year-old former Pointless host spoke candidly on Elizabeth Day's podcast How To Fail, describing the struggle as a constant 'drum beat' that has shaped his relationship with weight and happiness.
Osman explained that addiction, for him, is about 'running away from your pain'. He recalled his father summoning the family to announce he was having an affair, an event that marked the end of his childhood innocence. For months, he travelled by coach to see his father, but eventually cut ties, only reconciling when he became a father himself in his twenties.
The presenter acknowledged the absurdity of addiction, comparing the power of a packet of crisps or a bar of chocolate to that of alcohol for an alcoholic. He emphasised that people should not be judged for their behaviours, as everyone has their own struggles. 'We've all got human minds and we're all crazy in slightly different ways,' he said.
Osman noted that he began therapy later in life and now manages relapses better. He stressed that shame is a key driver of overeating, creating a vicious cycle. 'Addiction is shame. You'll over-eat, you'll feel shame about that. Shame makes you over-eat,' he explained. He now tries to cut off shame at the source, accepting that it is not embarrassing to have these struggles.
Reflecting on his journey, Osman said that if people truly shared their secrets, everyone would realise they are 'all f***ed' in some way. He concluded: 'That is because we are all human beings.'
