Josie Gibson, the beloved This Morning presenter, has opened up about her long-standing battle with lipoedema, a condition that causes an abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and arms. The 32-year-old reality star, who has been a familiar face on TV since 2010, shared her struggles with the painful condition, which she was diagnosed with last year.
Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Josie explained that no matter how much she trains or how well she eats, she cannot shed the fat caused by lipoedema. “With lipoedema, you can’t lose fat,” she revealed. “My arms were really lumpy and horrible. I’ve got this little waist, I shouldn’t have cellulite on my arms!”
For Josie, the condition not only affects her physically but also emotionally, as she grapples with the disconnection she feels from her own body. “It’s like my legs don’t really belong on my body,” she explained. “I’ve got this small waist, and it’s like my legs belong on another body. And as I’m getting older, it’s getting worse.”
Lipoedema has also been an obstacle in Josie’s everyday life. “I train, I don’t feel like I overeat, I’m fit and healthy, but you could train seven days a week, and you won’t get rid of lipoedema fat like that,” she added, explaining how the fat feels like “congealed fat.” The physical discomfort is apparent as well, with Josie recalling that after a long day on her feet, her legs would often be incredibly achy.
In a bid to address the issue, Josie underwent two surgeries—liposuction and an arm lift—to help combat the effects of lipoedema. “It stopped me in my tracks a bit,” she shared. “I couldn’t even put the bins out, and I struggle with stopping and relaxing.”
Despite the struggles, Josie found solace in raising awareness about the condition, sharing her journey with her fans. “To talk about it has been amazing. The response I’ve had is unreal. It’s not like I’ve done anything courageous – all I’ve done is had surgery. But you’ve been fighting all your life to get rid of this fat, then you realise it’s your genetics that you’re fighting,” Josie said, expressing her hope that her honesty will help others who are going through the same thing.
Josie’s openness about lipoedema has been a lifeline for many women who feel isolated by the condition. “I think it’s made a few women feel like, ‘Thank God, it’s not just me,’” she said, noting the importance of creating a sense of community and understanding among those affected by the condition.
For Josie, though, it’s not just about her body. Her family life, including being a mother to her son, Reggie, keeps her grounded. But with the ongoing battle with lipoedema and the pressures of life in the public eye, Josie remains determined to raise awareness and help others facing similar challenges.
Josie’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the importance of being open about personal health battles. Her journey continues to inspire fans across the country, and we look forward to watching her share more of her story with the world.
