Mary Berry Opens Up About Heartbreaking Reason Behind Lifelong Slim Figure
Beloved baking icon Dame Mary Berry has shared the deeply personal and tragic reason behind the slim figure she has maintained throughout her adult life, revealing a story of profound loss that has shaped her approach to health and wellbeing.
The Devastating Loss That Changed Everything
The former Great British Bake Off host, who remains sprightly at 90 years old, explained during a talk at The Oldie magazine lunch at the National Liberal Club that her weight loss journey began after unimaginable family tragedy. "We lost a son, and after that we lost weight and I have stayed that way," she confessed candidly to the audience.
In 1989, Mary Berry and her husband Paul Hunnings experienced every parent's worst nightmare when their son William died in a car accident at just 19 years old. William had been driving home from Bristol University to visit his family, with his sister Annabel also in the vehicle at the time of the tragic crash.
Coping With Grief Through Daily Life
Berry revealed how she and her husband navigated their grief together, finding strength in their remaining children and each other. "I was immensely lucky to have my husband," she reflected. "We just felt fortunate to still have Thomas and Annabel. People were very, very kind. We just had to keep busy."
The baking legend admitted that even decades later, her thoughts frequently return to William. "I think of William every day. Of course I do," she told Radio Times. "And if he were to walk through that door over there, I would say, 'Where the hell have you been?' I'm still very proud of him. I think of the joy he gave us."
Modern Weight-Loss Trends and Personal Philosophy
During her revealing talk, Berry also shared her bemused perspective on contemporary weight-loss trends, particularly the current popularity of injection-based treatments. "I am rather amused by all these things you can have done with injections," she admitted with characteristic candour.
Despite maintaining her slim figure since the family tragedy, Berry emphasised that she remains thoughtful about her daily diet. While she loves food and enjoys cooking, she has learned to be "pretty careful" over the years, recognising that "second helpings" should generally be avoided in her nutritional approach.
A Marriage That Withstood Tragedy
Berry and her husband Paul, now 93, have been together since 1963 and have weathered life's most challenging storms together. She credits their enduring union to their approach to conflict resolution. "If any disagreements come up, I open the back door and just go out and maybe pick some flowers or get some apples," she explained. "It's amazing if you can walk away."
The baking queen's poignant revelations come as her successor on Great British Bake Off, Pru Leith, announced her departure from the show earlier this week. Berry's reflections offer a rare glimpse into the personal struggles behind her public persona, reminding us that even national treasures face profound personal challenges.
Her story serves as a powerful testament to resilience in the face of unimaginable loss, demonstrating how personal tragedy can shape lifestyle choices in unexpected ways while highlighting the importance of family support during life's darkest moments.
