Susanna Reid, the 54-year-old presenter of Good Morning Britain, has shared her successful journey to lose 1.5 stone (approximately 9.5 kilograms) without stepping foot in a gym. Reid’s candid approach to her lifestyle changes has inspired many, particularly as she openly discussed the challenges of maintaining her health during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Reid, a mother of three, admitted that she gained weight during the pandemic as many others did. She struggled significantly to shed those extra pounds. In a discussion with her former co-host Piers Morgan in December 2018, she mentioned her decision to stop gym workouts, noting, “I stopped going to the gym, I found it made me too hungry.” Instead, Reid focused on dietary changes that ultimately led to her weight loss.
Dietary Changes and Professional Advice
Reid’s weight loss journey began after a consultation with her general practitioner regarding skin issues. Her doctor indicated that she was at the upper limit of a healthy BMI for her height and recommended she consider losing weight. Following this advice, she concentrated on eating more nutritious foods and eliminated snacking during her busy work schedule. She expressed her satisfaction with the results, stating, “I now feel fantastic.”
To combat cravings, Reid identified her early morning schedule—waking up at 4 a.m. for her television duties—as a contributing factor to her weight gain. She explained to her ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly, “What I did was cut out snacking. I found waking up so early in the morning you’re in a sort of energy deficit. All your body can think is ‘have toast, have biscuits, have calories,’ and you can pile [weight] on really quickly.”
In her dietary adjustments, Reid incorporated fish into her meals but mostly avoided other meats. Additionally, she made the significant decision to give up alcohol in 2019 due to its negative effects on her skin. She described how drinking exacerbated her skin condition, leading to issues such as burst blood vessels on her face and permanent scarring. Reid commented, “I was concerned because my skin was flushed, I kept getting flare-ups and blemishes, and they were leaving red scars. My skin was probably a manifestation of what I was putting into my body.”
Commitment to a Healthier Lifestyle
Reid has maintained her commitment to sobriety, even forgoing alcohol during her milestone 50th birthday celebrations. While she appreciates the positive changes in her life, she humorously acknowledged that her friend Piers Morgan has labeled her “the world’s biggest bore” due to her teetotal lifestyle.
Since joining Good Morning Britain when it launched in 2014, Reid has become a well-known face in British television, previously working with BBC Breakfast before making the switch to ITV. Her openness about her health journey resonates with viewers, making her not just a presenter but also a relatable figure for many facing similar struggles.
Through her journey, Susanna Reid exemplifies how lifestyle changes—particularly in diet and personal habits—can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being. Her story serves as a reminder that effective weight loss does not necessarily require traditional methods like gym workouts but can be achieved through mindful eating and personal commitment.
