Scottish ITV host Lorraine Kelly has shared how she went from a size 10 to 14 during the coronavirus pandemic, as she increased her intake of booze and unhealthy food sharply.
In an interview with the Express, the Scottish television presenter has partnered with WW (formerly known as Weight Watchers) to raise awareness for others who want to get their self-confidence back.
The 62-year-old admitted that she felt dismayed when she realised how much her weight had rocketed due to a switch in diet over the pandemic.
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Lorraine said: "Things were different. All of a sudden, the routine in our lives went.
“I mean, I still had a routine, but there were no exercise classes - maybe once a day you could walk your dogs?
“And comfort eating. I just went completely off the rails. I was like, ‘You needed that big bar of chocolate. You need that whole packet of Hobnobs, you can’t just have one.’
“And I was also drinking too much - not to excess - but I was having a glass of wine where I normally wouldn’t."
Lorraine also explained that she didn't notice the weight increase for a while, but when she did she was disappointed in herself.
The presenter continued: "You know, I don’t drink that much anyway, so all of that contributed to me slowly, gradually, putting on weight and going from a size 10 - which is what I’m supposed to be when I’m really happy - to a size 14.
“And whilst that’s fine for most people, we all know what size we’re supposed to be.”
When discussing her route to going back to a size 10, the TV personality said: "I've done it before myself, but I just needed help this time.
“I just think there's so much going on. We’re all a bit overwhelmed by what's going on in the world and I just needed help and WW has just been perfect because it’s all up to you what you want to do."
The Scot also added: "I think the pandemic made all of us a bit like that. I know a lot of people used it as an opportunity to get really fit and honestly, I’m in awe.
“But for me? No, I just ate far too much rubbish. Every night, me and my husband would share a chocolate plate and every night it got bigger and bigger and that was at 7 o’clock at night and that’s not good.
“So I’ve kind of stopped with the chocolate plate. If he wants it, that’s fine.”
However, Lorraine also noted that while a size 10 may not be everybody's goal, as we all have different bodies, she is happy to be feeling like herself once again.
She continued: "It’s not about how much space you take up in the world. It’s about what’s right for you. It all comes down to confidence, doesn’t it?
"[Speaking on being a size 10] That’s what I’m supposed to be. I mean, if I went thinner - not that I would - but if I went down to less than a size 10, I wouldn't look very well.
“You know, I’d start to look haggard and too thin because that wouldn’t be me.
“But other women? It’s different for everyone. It’s just what is right for you.”
Lorraine also spoke about the WW plan she has been on, and encourages others who are struggling with their weight to follow.
Lorraine added: "I think the main thing for me is that I just want to get my va va voom back. Just to get me back from before the pandemic.
“And I know I can do that because I’ve done it before, but this time I just wanted a helping hand.
“It’s not about weight anymore, we’ve advanced, we’ve moved on. That’s really what I want to get across - and avoiding stupid dieting because it doesn’t work!"
You can keep up with Lorraine on her morning programme on ITV, resuming on Monday, April 11 from 9am onwards.
