Linda Robson, a star of Loose Women, has shared the harsh realities of a strict diet that caused several unpleasant side effects.
The 66-year-old actress, who has long struggled with her weight and body image, has tried various methods to slim down, including WeightWatchers and slimming pills. However, she described all of them as “horrible.”
Robson detailed one diet in particular that required her to live on packet soups, snack bars, and milkshakes. This regimen led to severe consequences, including bad breath and hair loss, while leaving her constantly hungry.
“I’ve spent most of my life on one diet or another, even when it wasn’t necessary,” Robson told Woman magazine. “I’ve tried WeightWatchers, slimming pills, just about every diet available, and they’re all horrible.”
She continued, “They either cause diarrhoea or make you hyper. One diet was so strict that the side effects were revolting. My hair started falling out, my breath stank, and I was starving all the time because I was only consuming packet soups, a snack bar, and a milkshake each day.”
Robson acknowledged that such diets are “not sustainable” and that she couldn’t maintain them forever. When she returned to eating normally, she regained the weight.
Her weight has fluctuated significantly over the years. In 2017, she made headlines for her dramatic weight loss, which she attributed to giving up alcohol and sugar. Despite feeling physically better, she was battling severe health issues, including alcoholism, OCD, and insomnia.
Reflecting on that period, she said, “After I stopped drinking wine, I dropped to a size eight, and everyone complimented my weight loss. But inside, I was falling apart. I spent entire days crying and looked terrible, very skinny like a skeleton. It felt like I was at death’s door, with hollowed-out cheeks and lines etched across my face.”
In 2019, Robson began her recovery journey by entering rehab. She regained weight and noticed a significant boost in her self-confidence.
Now, she feels more confident and at ease with herself and her appearance. She remains sober, follows a vegetarian diet, avoids fizzy drinks, and occasionally enjoys a biscuit.
“Life can change in a split second,” Robson said. “I’m determined to try everything. I’m doing more in my 60s than ever before. The idea of retiring bores me; I’d be out of my mind with boredom!”
