Gemma Collins’ weight loss journey through the years – from £5K-a-week ‘juice camp’ to controversial ‘skinny jabs’
GEMMA Collins has exuded confidence through the years no matter what her size, constantly sharing inspirational body positivity posts and glamorous photos with her fans.
But she's made no secret of her battle with her weight in that time - and with brutal diets, workout regimes and even some controversial skinny jabs, we've seen her enjoy both the highs and the lows when it comes to shedding the pounds.
The Towie favourite, 39, recently shared some super slim snaps from her younger years after bravely opening up about her battle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal condition that made it increasingly difficult to lose weight after her twenties.
And now, while she admits she still struggles with maintaining a trim figure, Gemma has been wowing fans with some very glam photos, showing her weight loss during lockdown.
The GC first appeared on our TV screens in 2011 as she made her debut on The Only Way Is Essex and as her popularity has grown, her frank honesty has inspired millions of fans.
Here, we take a look at Gemma's weight loss journey through the years...
“She has been doing exercise as well but not military-style. None of it is forced. Nobody can force Gemma to do anything, frankly.”
"Now I have four mouthfuls of food and I can't eat any more. I feel like I can't breathe I'm so full."
Rise of 'meme queen'
It's fair to say that 2017 was a gem of a year for our Gem.
She became the nation's "meme queen" and there's no denying the TOWIE legend rose to a whole new level of fame.
But health-wise Gemma had a tough time that year as she was told her egg count was low during an episode of TOWIE, and that her weight would make it harder for her to become pregnant.
She could have opted for a gastric band but ruled it out.
Speaking to The Sun, Gemma said: “I’m not saying I’ll get to a size 10 but I do need to lose weight. For my health I wouldn’t be bigger than I am now. I refuse to have a gastric band as easy it would be.”
Regardless, on holiday in Tenerife that year, Gemma proudly wore a black, sheer mesh swimsuit to reveal her stunning curves.
Defending her choice of attire, the reality star later explained to The Sun: "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I don’t need to explain my outfits.
“It's not for everyone but I loved it - why shouldn’t a plus size girl wear mesh - who said they couldn’t?”
Ice Queen burns off the calories
While ice skating may not be the typical choice of work out, it seems that this activity can be a very good way to burn calories, since going on Dancing on Ice in 2019 is what kick-started Gemma's recent toning up.
During her time on the show, the self-proclaimed diva did two hours training three times a week which burned at least 1,000 calories a session.
Speaking to Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield on This Morning when she left the show, she said: “I will 100 per cent keep up with the fitness.”
Discussing the change in her body, she continued: “I feel so much better."
And she certainly stuck to her word.
Later that year, Gemma enjoyed a well-deserved holiday abroad and showed off her slimmer frame in a white, busty swimsuit. The GC appeared to be bursting with confidence as she modelled the strapless one-piece.
Controversial 'skinny jabs'
She might not be a shrinking violet, but the Essex girl's waistline has shrunk no end in recent pictures as she reveals her new three-stone weight loss.
The GC looks incredible as she poses up a storm during lockdown, showing off that new slim bod.
But Gemma has owned up to fans that her "secret" to losing three stone this time is partly down to keeping up with controversial weight loss injections.
Last year, Sun Online revealed The GC was on a new weight loss plan with 'skinny jabs', which are injections that act as an appetite suppressant.
Gemma has, however, been met with some criticism for promoting them.
The jabs cost up to £350 for a four week programme and contain the ingredient liraglutide, which carries many health risks.
Nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert told The Sun Online: "Any form of self-injection can be risky and an area that only your GP or health professional can advise you on, risk of infection, place of injection, the dose inside."
Although Gemma may have already shifted a few stone, her sights are set on shredding more and so her weight loss journey might not be over yet.
She said: "I'd be really happy if I lost six stone as that would bring me down to 12 stone and a size 16."
Go Gem!