Josie Gibson Reveals Painful Disorder Diagnosis on This Morning
Josie Gibson recently shared her diagnosis of lipedema, a painful disorder that affects fat distribution in the body. The This Morning presenter, aged 40, revealed her ongoing health struggle during an appearance on the show with hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley.
Josie Gibson’s Journey with Lipedema
Gibson’s awareness of her condition began after a comment from a social media follower. The remark noted that she had a “typical lipedema body.” This prompted her to research the disorder further.
“I didn’t have a clue,” she admitted. “I always knew that something wasn’t right with my body.” Gibson was diagnosed about a year ago and underwent her first surgery in September.
Understanding Lipedema
During the show, Gibson described lipedema as a condition where the body stores fat differently. She consulted multiple experts to understand her diagnosis better.
- Visited specialists in Berlin and London.
- Learned that traditional exercise does not effectively reduce lipedema fat.
Despite maintaining a fit lifestyle, Gibson discovered that intense training alone wouldn’t alleviate her symptoms. “You can train seven days a week and you won’t get rid of lipedema fat like that,” she explained.
The Impact on Daily Life
The disorder has affected her work significantly. While filming a segment for Taste of the Westcountry, she experienced heavy legs and swelling that made it difficult to continue her tasks. Gibson noted, “I used to bruise like a peach,” highlighting the physical discomfort she faces daily.
Surgical Intervention
Gibson’s first surgery consisted of a lipo treatment aimed at tightening the skin by burning the inner layer. “I’ve only done my calves, and it’s split into sections. You can’t do it all at once,” she shared.
The financial burden of the procedure is significant, with Gibson disclosing that her calf surgery cost over £7,000. She described this surgery as her “last resort” in managing her condition.
Through her openness about lipedema, Gibson hopes to raise awareness and support others facing similar struggles. Her journey underscores the importance of understanding and addressing health issues, particularly those that are often misunderstood.
