“I had no choice”: Denise Welch opens up about the silent illness that pushed her to the edge — and why losing weight became a race against time

Denise opened up about her previous experiences with weight loss

Loose Women star Denise Welch opened up about a private health condition that forced her to lose weight, otherwise she would risk life-threatening illnesses.

On today’s episode of Loose Women (February 24) the panel opened up on their thoughts on the weight-loss jabs. And Denise spoke honestly about her own experiences losing weight.

The 66-year-old actress revealed that she had to lose “a couple stone” recently due to her own hidden health condition. And admitted she feels “so much better” now that she had.


Loose Women star had to lose weight due to sleep apnoea (Credit: ITV)

Denise Welch on health condition that forced her to lose weight

Denise revealed she suffered from sleep apnoea and was told she needed to lose weight to get her health under control. And if she didn’t she was “at risk of a heart attack or a stroke within 10 years”.

Looking back on her weight, Denise said: “I feel so much better having done it. Over the years my weight has crept up. So I went to the origins of the company I previously used. And I lost the weight safely.”

But this isn’t the first time Denise has gone through weight loss in the public eye, and she believes magazine wordings are part of the cause.

Reflecting to her first dramatic weight loss, Denise admitted: “I remember years ago, when I lost loads of weight. I had suffered a major depressive episode. I was drinking too much. And I got too thin. On the front of the magazine it said: ‘Denise stop. You have gone too far.’ You can’t win. But at the time, I was so screwed up that I was pleased to see that as a headline.”


Denise’s relationship with food has changed over the years (Credit: ITV)

Denise reflects on weight-loss jabs

As for her thoughts on using the weight-loss jabs, the mum of two confirmed that as long as it’s given safely and by an actual doctor, then she sees the benefit of it. But she also believes that, no matter what, it comes down to changing your relationship with food.

Denise said: “I have made it my mission – as I work with a diet company as well, which is all about changing your own relationship with food. So, I think as long as you have been prescribed the jab by a doctor.

“It’s not perfect. Every drug has side effects. But it’s about whatever you are doing, you are also changing your relationship with food.”

The Loose Women star acknowledged that we hear “dodgy” things about them, if people don’t go through the correct system. But she believes that if you need it and can get it, then it’s safe.

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