Former EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy has opened up about the negative impact her weight loss DVD had on her life. In a recent episode of Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, Cassidy revealed she felt “damaged” by the experience, despite earning £100,000 for shedding four stone.
Natalie Cassidy’s Weight Loss Journey
In 2007, Cassidy was offered a lucrative deal to release two fitness DVDs. Reflecting on her decision, she admitted it was made at a vulnerable time in her life. She lost her mother at the age of 19, and she now recognizes that her focus on weight loss was misguided. “Silly decisions were being made,” she said, acknowledging that she lacked proper guidance.
Regrets and Realizations
- Natalie regrets the choices she made during that period.
- After her weight loss, she quickly gained back more weight.
- She confided that her unhealthy habits included excessive eating and using laxatives.
Although she does not classify her experience as an eating disorder, she is aware of the dangerous paths she could have taken. “If I had continued with laxatives, who knows where I’d be now?” she expressed.
Focus on Motherhood
Raising her daughters, Eliza and Joanie, helped Natalie shift her priorities away from body image concerns. “Having children makes you forget about yourself,” she commented. Her focus is now on their well-being rather than her own appearance.
Addressing Weight Loss Myths
Recently, Cassidy faced rumors about using diet pills to lose weight. She clarified that her weight loss resulted from lifestyle changes, such as eliminating unhealthy foods and reducing alcohol consumption. “I cut out rubbish,” said Cassidy, emphasizing the hidden calories in alcohol.
Additionally, she dismissed claims that she has resorted to weight loss injections. “I’ve never gone through any injectable route,” she confirmed during the podcast episode.
Concerns Over Weight Loss Jabs
During the discussion, Giovanna Fletcher shared her own reservations about weight loss jabs, mentioning their increasing popularity. Natalie expressed her stance against them, stating, “I don’t think anyone would love me more if I’m skinny.” Both women concluded that personal acceptance is more important than societal pressures to change one’s body.
Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Injections
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Pancreatitis |
| Vomiting | Kidney problems |
| Diarrhea | Thyroid tumors |
| Stomach pain | Vision problems |
| Reduced appetite | Hypoglycemia |
As Natalie Cassidy continues to promote her new book, Happy Days, she remains focused on fostering a positive self-image. Her journey serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding weight loss and the importance of mental well-being.
