Popular This Morning presenter Josie Gibson has bravely shared details of a recent medical diagnosis and the subsequent surgery she underwent, in a candid on-air discussion.
A Personal Health Revelation
The 40-year-old TV personality addressed viewers directly upon her return to the ITV show after a holiday, speaking to hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley. She took the opportunity to set the record straight about widespread speculation concerning her weight, firmly dismissing rumours that she had shed six stone.
Josie revealed she had in fact been diagnosed with lipoedema around a year ago and underwent a surgical procedure in September of last year. "I always knew something wasn't right with my body, but I didn't know what lipoedema was at all," she confessed.
Understanding Lipoedema and the Surgical Route
Lipoedema, as defined by the NHS, is an abnormal and often painful build-up of fat in the legs and sometimes the arms, which can significantly affect daily life. Josie described the condition's impact, noting her slender waist but feeling her legs were disconnected from her frame.
"As I'm getting older, it's getting worse," she explained. "I weight train, I lift weights, and I can see it all in my arms; it's getting worse. I can train and train and train, but really, I'm going down the surgery route now."
She detailed her procedure, which involved lipo treatment followed by vasering—a technique that burns the inner layer of skin to contract and tighten it. So far, she has only had the operation on her calves, with the process needing to be split into sections over time.
The Financial and Emotional Cost
The presenter was frank about the significant expense involved in treating the chronic condition. After consulting specialists in Berlin and the UK, she opted for treatment closer to home.
"It's a lot of money at a time," Josie stated. "I think I paid over £7,000 for just my calves, and you split it up into sections, so it is a lot of money." When Ben Shephard noted she was fortunate to afford it, she acknowledged that many others with lipoedema are not in the same financial position.
Josie emphasised that surgery was a last resort after exhausting other options. "I went everywhere, the last thing I want to do is put myself through surgery, but it was my last resort," she said, highlighting the challenging reality for those living with this often-misunderstood condition.
