Television star Alison Hammond might be a ray of sunshine, but the 47-year-old has still faced scrutiny and harsh criticism regarding her obesity.
Throughout the years, Alison has been vocal about her obesity and used her platform to educate others on the subject.
Here are five quotes from the queen herself that might change the way you think about those struggling with their health.
‘Obesity is a disease’
During an episode of This Morning in March this year, Alison got emotional when discussing her journey with her weight.
“When you’re big, people think you’re lazy,” she said. “I’ve had obesity all my life. What it is is, your regulation system is out of whack. You can’t control wanting to eat all the time.”
Alison informed viewers that a lot of people don’t realise that “obesity is a disease.” While getting teary live on air, she said she believes “people look down on people when they’re so big,” stating, “They can’t actually help it.”
“The NHS need to see it more as a disease,” Alison continued.
‘Our bodies are amazing’
While attending a Weight Watchers event in 2019, Alison opened up about being fat-shamed during her childhood.
“I used to be a really good swimmer – when I was 12 I got into an elite team and I went along to my first swim meet and I got fat-shamed where someone else said some really nasty words,” she recalled.
Alison continues, “From that point, I never went back to the club. That experience affected me for years after as I would always make up excuses as to why I didn’t want to go swimming.”
Always one to turn a negative into a positive, Alison shared an inspirational quote about how people should be kinder when talking about their physical appearance. “Our bodies are amazing and we can do so much. You need to see your body as an instrument, not an ornament. When you stop seeing it as something you look at, you start realising how amazing it is,” she said.
“I’ve climbed the Atlas mountains, I’ve danced on Strictly Come Dancing. This is me.”
‘No one chooses to be obese’
While shutting down negative health headlines on This Morning with co-host Dermot O’Leary and the show’s health expert Dr Zoe, Alison made a valid point about obese people.
When Dr Zoe praised Alison for her fitness commitments, Alison stated that “no one chooses to be obese”. Alison said that people should be respected for trying their best to trying to improve their health.
“Anyone that’s going through that struggle and then trying to exercise on top of that, you gotta rate them,” she said.
‘I go to the gym and people are staring at me’
Alison time and time again has proven that the stereotype that larger people are lazy is not always true. During a phone-in segment to discuss body hang-ups on This Morning, she opened up about her insecurities after a caller named Elaine discussed their long-term chronic condition called Lymphoedema.
Lymphoedema causes swelling in tissues in the legs and other areas, which left Elaine feeling body conscious. She complimented Alison, stating that she “always looks good” and is an “inspiration” to her.
As a result, Alison said she also has insecurities and feels judged for her appearance, even when she’s trying to better her health. “I go to the gym and people are staring at me,” she said. However, she reassured Elaine and other views that it’s nothing people should be concerned about.
“But that’s all that happens, then they’re going to worry about what’s going on in their lives,” Alison added.
‘I’m not lazy!’
Viewers were not impressed when a fitness instructor named Samantha Yardley said she wouldn’t work with someone who’s overweight. Alison was having none of it and responded, “I’m not being funny, come and train me babes, let’s have a laugh, we’ll have fun and I’m not lazy, I’m up for it.”
She continued, “I’ll probably run rings around you! Come and train me, I’m up for it, how about that?”
As documented on her Instagram, account, Alison is far from lazy and works out with a personal trainer who has given her the confidence to push and motive herself.
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Read more: Alison Hammond issues apology as she upsets disabled child: ‘When we needed you, you never came’
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