Josie Gibson candidly discussed her struggle with lipoedema, a chronic condition that causes an uneven accumulation of fat, during an appearance on This Morning. The former Big Brother winner, 40, revealed that the condition has progressively worsened with age, impacting her daily life and work.
Speaking to hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard, Josie explained how lipoedema makes it impossible for her body to shed fat through exercise alone. “I train, I don’t overeat, I’m fit and healthy,” she said. “But my body holds onto fat differently. It’s like congealed fat—you could train seven days a week and still not get rid of it.”
She described her frustration: “I’ve got this small waist, but my legs don’t feel like they belong to my body—they belong on another body.” The swelling and fat accumulation have become more noticeable not only in her legs but now also in her arms, despite her weight training efforts.
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Josie was diagnosed with lipoedema about a year ago and underwent surgery in September. She has consulted multiple experts, including specialists in Berlin and London. “It gets worse as you get older,” she said. “I can see it all on my arms now; it’s just getting worse.”
Reflecting on her childhood, Josie recalled early signs of the condition: “When I was at primary school, I couldn’t sit cross-legged during assembly without being unable to walk for several minutes afterward. My lymphatic system mustn’t have been working properly. Back then, you just got on with it.”
The condition also affects her professionally. Josie shared how, during filming of A Taste of the South West, her legs would swell, feel heavy, and become sore, often causing bruising. “I’d go out filming all day, and then my legs would be swollen and painful when I got home,” she said.
Despite her dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle, Josie has now decided surgery is her last resort. “It’s a lot of money each time—over seven grand for just my calves—and you have to do it in sections,” she explained.
Josie’s openness aims to raise awareness about lipoedema, a condition often misunderstood and difficult to manage without medical intervention.