Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus has shared the emotional journey that led her to lose an impressive 9 stone in weight. The Scottish singer, now 44, opened up about the negative comments and shame she felt about her body over the years, particularly from media scrutiny. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, McManus revealed that thoughts of not being there for her children if something happened to her were the driving force behind her significant weight loss.
McManus, who is a mother to two boys, Harry and Nicholas, shared, “When I had my children, it was like a light switch went off because all of a sudden it wasn’t about me anymore. I just started to have seriously dark thoughts about me passing away and not being there for the kids.” She emphasised the importance of focusing on self-happiness rather than conforming to society’s standards of beauty or weight.
The singer disclosed that she tried various diets and even considered surgery, but ultimately found success through setting goals of a calorie deficit, weight training, swimming, and working with a life coach. McManus highlighted the importance of self-acceptance, stating, “I feel so much healthier. And I think the key to life is no one should tell you what you should weigh. You concentrate on you, and if you feel happy, that’s the key.”
After facing harsh criticism and body shaming following her Pop Idol win in 2003, McManus avoided social media for years due to fear of online abuse. However, she recently returned to social platforms to share her weight loss journey. The response she received was overwhelmingly positive, with many supporting her message of body positivity and self-love.
Currently, Michelle McManus is set to host a new entertainment TV show and a radio slot, titled “Afternoons with Michelle McManus,” for BBC Scotland channels. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, spreading a message of self-acceptance and celebrating personal growth and happiness.