Josie Gibson surgery to treat ‘painful’ lipoedema condition

Josie Gibson has revealed that she spent £7,000 on surgery to tackle her « painful » lipoedema condition – a treatment not routinely available on the NHS.

The ITV host clarified that what viewers assumed was weight loss was actually the result of her « last resort » operation in September.

The This Morning host opened up about her experience in hopes of « inspiring someone out there », describing herself as « one of those who is constantly battling my genetics ».

Speaking openly about her procedure on the programme, she revealed: « You can’t do it all at once in this country. And I was too scared to have it done abroad. But it’s a lot of money and time. I’ve paid over £7k for just my calves. »

What is lipoedema?

Lipoedema is a connective adipose tissue disorder mainly affecting women, with roughly 10% of women in the UK believed to be living with the condition. It causes a disproportionate build-up of abnormal fat, usually in the hips, buttocks and legs, though it can also manifest in the arms.

Unlike normal body fat, this abnormal build-up cannot be eliminated through exercise or diet alone. As Josie disclosed when she received her diagnosis: « I said to them I train, I don’t feel like I overeat, I’m fit and healthy. They said you could train seven days a week but you don’t get rid of lipoedema fat like that. It’s like congealed fat. »

Lipoedema UK has emphasised that numerous people are initially misdiagnosed as obese, struggling for years to receive the correct diagnosis.

The root cause of this condition remains somewhat of a mystery to medical professionals, although research indicates a potential genetic link.

What are the symptoms of lipoedema?

According to the NHS, in its early stages, lipoedema may manifest as larger legs, a slim waist and a significantly smaller upper body.

Common symptoms of the condition can include:

• Pain in the affected areas
• Heaviness in the affected areas
• Discomfort in the affected areas
• Nodular or uneven skin in the affected areas
• Affected areas bruise easily
• Fatigue
• Joint problems
• Swelling
• Reduced mobility
• Flat feet
• Gait problems

As lipoedema advances, the physical changes it induces may result in bodily disfigurement. This can spark a range of mental and emotional repercussions such as low self-esteem, shame and embarrassment.

Lipoedema UK highlighted that many people with the condition often try various diets and may lose weight, but the lipoedema remains unchanged. This can also lead to eating disorders, malnutrition and low energy levels.

What is the treatment for lipoedema?

There is a range of treatments available for lipoedema, from lifestyle adjustments to compression garments and counselling.

Those with severe lipoedema may need to undergo a procedure known as liposuction, which manually removes the fat. These procedures are not typically offered by the NHS, and patients often require multiple treatments to fully address the affected areas.

Lipoedema UK explains that this procedure is different from cosmetic surgery aimed at general fat reduction. Liposuction for lipoedema specifically targets the diseased fat cells.