Ed Gamble, the popular host of The Traitors: Uncloaked, has candidly discussed his significant physical transformation, shedding an impressive seven stone, while issuing a heartfelt plea against the public commentary on people's bodies.
The Journey from 19 Stone to a Healthier Life
Gamble, who is now recognisable to fans of the hit BBC reality show, revealed that at his heaviest he weighed 19 stone. He admitted to a period of binge eating and drinking in his younger years, which took a severe toll on his health, particularly as a person living with type 1 diabetes. "I was living so unhealthily I felt dreadful all the time," he explained. "I wasn’t completely ignoring that I was type 1, but I was doing the bare minimum to stay alive."
His turning point came with a decision to focus on his wellbeing. By adopting a healthier lifestyle, which now includes running marathons, Gamble has slimmed down to 12 stone. This transformation has been crucial in stabilising his diabetes. "I thought, weight loss will be a good opportunity to try and get on top of the diabetes, however intimidating and overwhelming it seems. I’ve never looked back from that point," he stated.
The Unexpected Emotional Cost of Weight Loss
Despite the clear physical and medical benefits, Gamble confessed that his weight loss has come with an unexpected and significant emotional price. He revealed that he now feels more self-conscious about his appearance than he ever did when he was heavier. "When I was bigger, I really didn’t care about my weight," he shared. "As soon as I lost weight, that’s when I started to worry about how I looked. As soon as people started to say I looked nice, that’s when I started to worry."
He expressed frustration at the unsolicited comments people feel entitled to make about others' bodies. "I don’t know where this thing came from where people think they’re allowed to comment on people’s bodies and weight. It’s really depressing if you’re on the other end of it," Gamble said. His advice was blunt: "People’s reactions to the way people’s bodies change is absolutely insane sometimes. It’s best to just shut up."
Navigating Changing Male Body Ideals
The comedian and presenter also reflected on the shifting pressures men face regarding their physique. He noted how the ideal male body shape has changed dramatically within his own lifetime, creating a confusing standard to follow. "Within my lifetime, the ideal body shape for men has gone from skinny waif, noughties indie man to now, gigantic men," he observed. "It’s all about putting as much weight and muscle as possible."
Ultimately, Gamble's story, shared in interviews, is one of improved health and a better quality of life through managing his diabetes, but it is also a stark reminder of the complex relationship between physical change, mental health, and public perception. His experience underscores that weight loss, often celebrated uncritically, can be a double-edged sword.
