This Morning presenter Josie Gibson has publicly shared her diagnosis of lipoedema and her decision to undergo specialist liposuction surgery on her legs, a procedure costing over £7,000. The 40-year-old TV star revealed she was prompted to seek medical advice after followers on social media pointed out she had a 'typical lipoedema body'.
A Lifelong Condition Ignited by Social Media Comments
Josie explained that while appearing on ITV's This Morning, she recounted how an Instagram comment was the catalyst for her diagnosis. "Somebody actually said on Instagram, 'You've got a typical lipoedema body'," she said. "I always knew something wasn't right with my body, but I didn't know what lipoedema was at all."
She was formally diagnosed approximately a year ago and underwent her first surgical procedure in September. Reflecting on her childhood, Josie identified early signs of the condition. She recalled struggling in primary school when sitting cross-legged, often being unable to walk for five to ten minutes afterwards without the aid of a chair.
"It's genetic, so I've had this since I was a kid," she stated, detailing her extensive journey to see experts in both Berlin and London before opting for surgery.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Lipoedema
Josie described the profound impact lipoedema has had on her body and life, emphasising that it is a distinct condition and not linked to obesity or lifestyle. "My body just holds onto fat differently to the way a normal body would," she said. "I said to the experts, 'I train, I don't over eat, I am fit and healthy', and they told me 'you could train seven days a week, you don't get rid of lipoedema like that'."
She explained the disproportionate nature of the fat deposits, saying, "I have a small waist but it's like my legs don't belong to my body." The condition has been progressive, also affecting her arms and worsening with age.
The breaking point came during filming for her food series, Taste Of The West Country. "I was with Paul Ainsworth in the kitchen, and I kept having to prop myself up on the side because my legs were so heavy," Josie recalled. After long filming days, her legs would swell, become painful, and bruise easily.
The Surgical Route and Future Plans
Josie's treatment involved liposuction specifically targeted at the stubborn fat deposits caused by lipoedema, followed by VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) therapy, which uses ultrasound to break down fat cells.
She was candid about the significant financial burden, revealing the high cost acts as a barrier for many. "The last thing I'd want to do is put myself through surgery, but it was my last resort," Josie admitted. "I've only done my calves, it's split up into sections... I think I paid over £7,000 for just my calves."
During her This Morning appearance, a video showed Josie celebrating a poignant milestone post-surgery. "I know they look rank because I just got out the surgery yesterday, but I've got two ankles," she said joyfully. "All my life I have wanted to have ankles." She confirmed plans for further surgeries on other affected areas of her body.
This revelation follows Josie's previous social media posts about "constantly fighting her genetics" through rigorous exercise routines. She has also spoken about losing five stone in the past through diet and exercise, specifically following the 'Do The Unthinkable' plan from MuscleFood, without the use of fat jabs or surgery.
