ITV's Alison Hammond opened up on yesterday's (June 9) episode of This Morning to viewers, and delivered an empowering message. The host delivered her statement during a segment of the show where viewers were able to call in and chat about body image concerns with life coach Michelle Elman.
On this occasion, a viewer called in to ask for advice on how to feel good in her body after living with Lymphoedema. According to the NHS, Lymphoedema is a long-term and chronic condition that can cause swelling in the body's tissues.
Elaine, from London, phoned the show and explained how she had been living with the condition for a long time, but it had worsened over the last three years. She said: "It's got really bad in my legs and my hips [are] like tree trunks and they've got scars on where I've had cellulitis and things.
"And I hate going out and showing them and I just live in black trousers to try and hide them. And I just feel everyone looks at my legs and judges me for being overweight. When actually, yes, I am overweight, but not through sitting and eating packets of crisps all day."
According to Wales Online, giving some advice, Michelle explained how Elaine didn't owe anyone a right to her medical record. "Instead of entering into this conversation justifying your appearance or justifying your weight is the way it is... Actually, it's just none of their business."
Elaine added how it's not just comments people make that make her feel uncomfortable made but the "staring" - to which Alison chimed in: "Babes, just let them stare. Let them do and deal with their life. 'Cause that is not your life. Let them stare and you enjoy your life. Your body is not an ornament for people to stare at. Your body is an instrument. Look at what you've come through in your life. You are not here to be stared at. So you just let them stare and you do you babes."
Later on in the chat, Elaine told Alison, who'd said how she relates to how the caller is feeling: "You always look lovely, Alison. I admire you." The This Morning host replied emotionally: "Thank you. I have insecurities as well, babes. I feel how you feel sometimes as well. It's not all perfect - what you see on the TV.
"I feel exactly like you sometimes. Like I said, I don't like taking my jackets off. But honestly, in life, you've got to enjoy your life. Before you know it, we're not here. So you've really got to enjoy your life. Honestly, your legs are beautiful.
"Look how far you've come. They're beautiful. They're just different. That's all it is. I go to the gym sometimes and I don't want to go to the gym [because] people are staring at me, but everyone's going to stare and then they're going to worry about what's happening with them. You just live your life babes. Enjoy it to the fullest."
Advising her to stay on the line, Dermot signed off the chat by saying that the team at This Morning want to continue their talk. This message from Alison came soon after a man from Penarth, who lives with a stoma bag, called in to ask for advice on confidence on holiday with a stoma bag. Jimmy revealed that he was going on his first holiday in five years in August - the first time since having his stoma bag fitted - but he was "worried about whether I should take my T-shirt off or leave it on because I feel people might look at me and judge me and think I'm ugly with it."
Michelle reassured him that people would not think what he's worrying about, and said: "Especially when your body's gone through such an ordeal, like having a stoma... I think it opens up a great conversation when they stare." She added: "A lot of the time it's because people haven't seen it before. It's about curiosity, not judgement. It's not them thinking it looks ugly, but it's something new to them."
Encouraging him to celebrate his body, Alison concluded: "Jimmy, do it for all those other people that are going to have stoma bags. All those young people that are going to have stoma bags who feel like you. Get that stoma bag out babes."
After being empowered by this chat, Jimmy revealed he'd "definitely have a go" at embracing his stoma on the beach, to which Alison concluded: "Thanks for being so brave calling in. Because honestly, we really respect you. Thank you."
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV1.
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