Susannah: “It was really hard – sugar was the devil for me”

TV presenter Susannah Constantine has shed 2st in three months after embarking on a diet and strict regime

As one half of the nation’s A feared style duo, Susannah Constantine was renowned for her ruthless makeovers. Now, the presenter, 55, has undergone a transformation of her own, dropping four dress sizes – from a size 16 to a 10-12 – after an unflattering picture and a health warning spurred her into action. The What Not To Wear star – who boasts she now weighs less than telly pal Trinny Woodall – was horrified to be told by doctors she was borderline obese and would end up a “very unhealthy old woman” if she persisted with her lifestyle. She says, “I knew I wasn’t at my ideal weight, but I felt that, apart from chocolate, I ate pretty healthily. It was a shock to realise I was borderline obese at a size 14-16. I’ve always been OK on my bottom half but, like all women who have big t*ts, I was top-heavy. It was on my chin and my tummy as well, and my arms were big.” Along with Eastenders’ Tameka Empson and DJ Miles Jupp, Susannah embarked on a ten-week challenge for Famously Unfit For Sport Relief, which saw her train alongside the Saracens Women’s rugby team and champion rower James Cracknell. In addition she walked 10,000 steps a day, and ditched alcohol,

sugar and processed foods – limiting carbs to one serving a day.

Susannah says, “To begin with, it was very hard. I knew that sugar was the devil for me and that was the toughest thing. I craved something sweet around 4pm, so I made sure I was training then, and after dinner I’d have a protein shake. Sugar-free chewing gum was also fantastic. I would stuff one piece after another into my mouth.”

Recalling the moment she realised something had to give after coming across an unflattering photo, Susannah revealed in an interview, “There in front of me was a photographic portrait of someone large who turned out to be me.

“It was not at all flattering. Floaty frock or not, I resembled a tug boat, a point pretty much confirmed by Trinny when we spoke. To be blunt, I was a fat hippo.”

Susannah adds that, although Trinny is a size 8, her extras inches of height means she weights more. And, clearly delighted with her transformation, she admits, “Trinny’s been very supportive. She’s like, ‘Not a moment too soon!’”