Has Chanelle’s year of health helped her find love?
A year on from pledging to make herself feel great again, reality star Chanelle Hayes shows off her slim figure as she’s seen with a new man
After telling Closer that she was taking time out to focus on “feeling good about myself again”, it seems Chanelle Hayes’ year of self-care has paid off – as the star was spotted out last week looking happy and trim in the company of a mystery man.
Chanelle, 33, who revealed her weight-loss transformation was well underway with an inspiring photo on Instagram in December, went make-up free as she debuted her newly slimmed figure.
And although she hasn’t confirmed a new relationship, fans were quick to speculate online, with one writing, “She looks lovely and healthy and she seems like a great mum. I hope she finds lasting love.”
Since finding fame on Big Brother in 2007 as a tiny size 6, the star – who’s mum to sons
Blakely, ten, with ex-footballer Matthew Bates, and Frankie, three, from a relationship with PE teacher Ryan Oates – has been open about her weight struggles, revealing years of yo-yo dieting left her with hair loss. In 2014, she dropped four dress sizes, going from a size 16 to a size 8, after embarking on a strict diet and exercise regime, but despite her best efforts, she continued to yo-yo.
WARNING
In late 2019, the reality star, then a size 16, confided in Closer that her main goal for the following year was to concentrate on her health and happiness, revealing she’d set herself fitness targets to get “long-lasting” results.
Her health-kick followed a dire warning from her doctor just two years beforehand that she was at risk of Type 2 diabetes, with the 5ft 2in star – who’s been working on the NHS frontline as a nurse – also revealing last March she’d undergone a hair transplant to repair some of the damage caused by her fluctuating weight.
Speaking to Closer ahead of her transformation, she said, “I’d love to find love again, but not any time soon. I’m taking this year to figure myself out and feel good again. Hopefully, this time next year, I’ll have a great head of hair and feel more confident about myself.”
STAYING FOCUSED
Chanelle, who swapped fad diets for healthy eating and walking, has clearly maintained her focus during lockdown.
And Closer’s nutritionist, Juliette Kellow, believes the star has slimmed from a size 16 to a “healthy and maintainable” 12-14.
Juliette says, “Chanelle looks healthy, but what’s important is that she keeps it up. She’s realised the key is changing your lifestyle to become more balanced, rather than resorting to fad diets, which cause quicker weight loss, but result in the pounds piling back on once you stop being so restrictive.
“Yo-yo dieting takes a toll on your mental wellbeing, as it’s an ‘all or nothing’ mentality. With a balanced diet, where you still allow yourself treats, it makes food, and life, more enjoyable.” By Lauren Hill-Roger
❛ THIS TIME IT’S ABOUT HAVING A BALANCED WAY OF LIVING ❜