Alison Hammond, the beloved television presenter known for her vibrant presence on ITV's This Morning and as a host on The Great British Bake Off, has captured public attention with her impressive and sustained weight loss journey. Over recent years, Hammond has shed more than 10 stone, transforming her health and lifestyle in a process that has been both inspirational and widely discussed.
The Starting Point: A Health Warning That Sparked Change
At her heaviest, Alison weighed 30 stone, a point that led to a pre-diabetic health warning. This medical alert became the catalyst for her decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle, moving away from potential health risks associated with obesity. Importantly, Hammond has consistently emphasised that her approach did not involve extreme or restrictive dieting. Instead, she has focused on principles of moderation and developing sustainable habits that could be maintained long-term, rejecting quick-fix solutions in favour of lasting change.
The Role of Professional Guidance and Support
A key figure in Alison's journey has been personal trainer Ellis Gatfield. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Hammond publicly thanked Gatfield, crediting him with kick-starting her entire fitness quest. She described how he made her life "so much easier" through implementing "simple changes and kindness," highlighting the importance of supportive, professional guidance in achieving significant health goals.
The Accessible Home Strategy: Keeping Weights in the Bedroom
Now, fitness experts have shed light on a particular practical strategy that may have significantly contributed to Alison's success. According to insights shared with Woman's Own magazine, Hammond reportedly "keeps weights in her bedroom." This simple yet effective tactic ensures her workouts remain easily accessible and varied, helping to prevent exercise boredom and maintain consistency—a common challenge for those with busy schedules.
Fitness consultant Laurel Alper analysed the star's transformation, telling the publication: "Resistance training, plus using weights in her own bedroom, when she had time, will have all contributed to her dropping the pounds." Alper elaborated that this approach, combined with other activities, created a comprehensive fitness regimen. "It looks like she walked as much as possible and continued burning calories by stretching and doing yoga. She's clearly very busy, so having her own weights at home is a great idea," Alper added.
Nutritional Adjustments and Creating a Calorie Deficit
Alongside her exercise routine, Alison made crucial adjustments to her eating habits. Laurel Alper noted: "She has drastically cut back on her food intake, saying she eats whatever she chooses but has adjusted her portion control." This method of mindful eating, rather than following a specific diet, allowed Hammond to enjoy her favourite foods while managing calories. "All these things combined have enabled her to create a calorie deficit and lose weight," Alper explained, underscoring the balanced approach between diet and exercise.
A Safe and Steady Approach to Sustainable Results
Experts have praised Alison's method as particularly safe and effective. Laurel Alper observed that Hammond appeared to have approached her weight loss steadily, rather than losing a large amount in a short space of time. This gradual progression is crucial, as it likely helped her reach a point where she can "maintain" her progress, avoiding the common pitfall of rapid weight loss followed by regain. The emphasis on sustainable habits over drastic measures appears to be a cornerstone of her long-term success.
Addressing Speculation and Public Scrutiny
Despite her achievements, Alison Hammond has faced persistent public speculation regarding her weight loss methods, particularly questions about whether she has used weight loss injections. Speaking to Richard Eden of The Mail at the Women of the Year awards last year, Hammond expressed her frustration: "It worries me that the jab keeps getting brought up. Every single time I have a conversation in public, that is the question thrown at me."
She confirmed she had been asked directly about using weight loss injections and responded with an "absolutely not." However, in a reflection of her open-minded attitude, Alison has not entirely ruled out the possibility in the future. She remarked: "I don't like the fact that you have to say: 'Oh, no, I wouldn't have the jab ever'. Maybe next year. Do you know what? I might start jabbing up. What does it matter how people lose weight?"
Concluding with a poignant question, Hammond challenged the critics: "Would you rather me die from being obese?" This statement underscores her view that the primary focus should be on health outcomes and personal well-being, rather than the specific methods chosen to achieve them.
Alison Hammond's journey stands as a testament to the power of consistent, accessible routines and balanced lifestyle changes. By integrating simple strategies like keeping weights in her bedroom, adjusting portion sizes, and incorporating varied exercise, she has achieved a remarkable transformation that prioritises health and sustainability over rapid results.
