The ITV star revealed the news through a video of her taking on intense exercises
This Morning star Josie Gibson has said that she’s ‘fighting my genetics’ as the TV presenter revealed her recent health diagnosis on social media.
Josie has been a popular presence on the ITV breakfast show since 2019, beginning her time on the show as a competition announcer. The South Gloucestershire native became a household name after winning Big Brother in 2010.
The 40-year-old began presenting This Morning in 2021, filling in at the time for Holly Willoughby, and is now often seen on hosting duties. Viewers have warmed to Josie as a result of her honesty about her personal life. Taking to Instagram on Friday evening (January 9), she shined a light on her health struggles which impacted her weight and affected her confidence.
Josie confirmed that she was diagnosed with lipoedema, a condition that leads to abnormal fat accumulation in the body, last year. According to the NHS, lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life, but there are things you can do that may help.
Lipoedema is more common in women, which usually affects both sides of the body equally. Additionally, it can make your bottom, thighs, lower legs and sometimes your arms look out of proportion with the rest of the body.
Symptoms of lipoedema include suffering pain, tenderness or heaviness in the affected limbs, as well as bruising especially. Some people have mild symptoms that do not affect their life. Others can struggle with physical problems, blaming themselves for the changes in their body and have mental health problems.
Sharing the news, Josie uploaded a video of her sprinting on a treadmill, lifting weights and performing intense core exercises, as she admitted that she hopes her post may ‘inspire someone out there’.
She captioned her post: “Hope this inspires someone out there…not that I think I’m an inspiration…Im just one of those who is constantly fighting my genetics. I was diagnosed with lipodema last year which I always knew anyway.
“So the fight is real as my body retains fat unlike a normal body should. I have not shared because I thought it looked pretty obvious anyway. I have been working out more and here is a circuit I completed at the @anantaramaikhao gym..
“I would love to build a gym like this. Gyms can be intimidating sometimes but we are all there for the same reason and I love getting stuck into my own little circuits. Have a lush weekend.”
The comments section of Josie’s post saw her friends and fans commending her for her honesty and for still remaining upbeat in spite of her struggles.
Josie’s This Morning colleague Jake Quickenden said: “Get in mate much love.” Actress Claire Sweeney added: “Well done darling.”
@sarahtucker_official wrote: “You’re amazing and also you’ve never looked better Josie, honestly.” @jnfuller81 posted: “Cracking deff gonna motivate me …I also have lipodema and have had surgery in Berlin but still have to to fight the beast ..looking fantastic.”
@karenbeveridge64 commented: “Well done you, you look fantastic girl.” @annetteparcell stated: “well done Josie you look fab.”