‘I feel sassy and confident – I’m wedding body ready!’
Charlotte Dawson talks about her 3½st weight loss and why she’s determined to help others improve their health
Charlotte Dawson provided us with constant giggles during a tough 2021 as she posted hilarious videos in which she embraced her post-pregnancy curves. But when we catch up with the MTV star, who has now lost 3½st, she tells us that behind the smiles she was feeling unhealthy and was on the cusp of developing Type 2 diabetes.
So the 29-year-old, who shares 11-month-old son Noah with fiancé Matthew Sarsfield, 30, went on a mission to get fit. And thanks to her danceinspired exercise plan and healthy diet, she now weighs 8st 7lb and has dropped four dress sizes – and a shoe size! “I’ve never felt or looked better,” she tells us.
Charlotte has launched the Chazza’s Belleh Blaster platform to help others and here, she talks about her journey...
Charlotte, you look amazing! What sparked your big transformation?
Well, I had gestational diabetes when I was six months into my pregnancy. I was told when I had Noah,“Be careful, you could end up with Type 2 diabetes.” But I ignored it. I went back to eating chips and gravy, and all my bad food.
Then what happened?
In June I started to feel a bit like when I was pregnant – dizzy and tired. My mum was like,“Your dad [comic Les Dawson] had Type 2 diabetes. Why don’t you get checked?”They did blood tests and said, “Your blood sugars are really high, you need to change your lifestyle. If you’d have come in two months later, you’d have had to be on insulin.” I burst out crying. After that, I found a nutritionist and she got me on a plan. Then I thought, “I need to get into exercise.”
What did you try?
I found this amazing girl on Instagram called Sophie, who’s a pro dancer – she’s sassy and confident. I did all her routines and we made our own up with funny names. She motivates me and makes me feel good about myself.
And you’ve created a platform, Charlotte’s Belleh Blaster…
Everyone was asking how I lost weight, so I thought,“I need to do something.” I met the platform creators and said I wanted to make it fun. I’ve got feather boas, tutus and cowboy hats on there…
Sounds amazing! So did you feel super-unhealthy before?
I used to do my funny videos but behind closed doors, I wasn’t as happy as people thought. I’d go for walks with Matthew and I felt unfit. He kept saying,“You’re making everyone else laugh, but you’re not laughing, are you?” I kept hiding behind my belly. My dad died when I was eight months old and part of the reason was diabetes. I’ve not done this to be skinny, just healthy and fit. I want to raise awareness for diabetes and other health issues that come with being overweight.
Does what happened to your dad resonate more now that you have Noah?
When Noah was eight months, it was so hard watching him – how much he interacts with me and Matthew – as I must have been like that with my dad. When Matthew leaves the room, or I do and then I see him again, his whole face lights up. I must have been eight months old thinking,“Where’s my dad?”Because he wouldn’t have been there any more.
At least you’re healthy now for Noah…
I want to be around for Noah and I don’t want health issues. If my dad had listened he might still be here with Noah, being an amazing grandad. This is about telling my story and helping others.
What’s your diet like now?
I’ve been on a 1,500-calorie diet, which I cut to 1,400 when I got closer to my goal weight. I’ve still got my fish and chips and prosecco, but portion controlled. It’s not all leaves!
Have you met your goal?
I feel confident and sassy and, most importantly, my mental health and my mindset are perfect.
Are you excited about shopping for a wedding dress now?
I’m wedding body ready and need to try some dresses on. I want a five-day wedding and I want loads of people there.
Chazza’s Belleh Blaster is £39.99 for a three-month programme. Visit bellehblaster.com