Morning star Josie Gibson, 41, has undergone calf liposuction to treat lipoedema, a condition she has battled since childhood that causes swelling and difficulty standing. The presenter, known for openly discussing her mental health and weight loss journey, revealed the procedure during a recent interview.
Lipoedema, according to the NHS, is an abnormal buildup of fat, most commonly in the legs and sometimes the arms. It can be painful and leaves affected areas out of proportion with the rest of the body. Gibson, who struggled with heavy, swollen legs that bruised easily, said her symptoms worsened during filming of Taste of the West Country.
“I’d come home after a long day, and my legs would swell, feel very heavy, and become quite sore,” she said. Gibson explained that surgery was a last resort, costing around £7,000, but helped improve the appearance of her ankles.
Her diagnosis came after seeing social media comments describing her figure as a “typical lipoedema body.” She recalled difficulties from childhood: “When I was at primary school, I couldn’t walk for five or ten minutes after sitting cross-legged. It’s genetic, so I’ve had this since I was a kid.”
Gibson added that no amount of exercise could reduce lipoedema fat, explaining, “You could train seven days a week, you don’t get rid of lipoedema fat like that.” She described her body as having a small waist while her legs and arms retain fat disproportionately, a situation that worsens with age.
In the wake of her diagnosis, Gibson has increased her workouts, sharing a motivational video on social media. “Hope this inspires someone out there… I’m just one of those who is constantly fighting my genetics,” she wrote.
Alongside her fitness efforts, Gibson has explored unconventional diets. On her Channel 5 documentary The 1970s Diet: Could It Work for You?, she tested 1970s-era eating habits, including smaller portions and foods like boiled potatoes, designed to reduce modern-day obesity.
Monty Simmons, a London-based personal trainer, noted that the diet emphasizes simple foods and smaller portions, which can benefit most people.