Alison Hammond, the popular host of The Great British Bake Off, is enjoying her happiest and healthiest life following an impressive 150-lb weight loss. Remarkably, she achieved this transformation without resorting to surgery or weight loss medications like Ozempic, according to sources close to the British TV personality who spoke to Daily Mail UK in December 2024. Here’s a closer look at how she lost the weight naturally, with expert advice on how these methods could work for others.
Alison Hammond’s Weight Loss Journey
In an interview with Good Housekeeping, Hammond revealed that her motivation for a lifestyle change came from a conversation with her late mother. “Mum said to me: ‘If you can, sort out your weight, Alison,’” she recalled. “My mum had type 2 diabetes and was worried for me, so when I found out I was pre-diabetic, it was a wake-up call.”
In September 2024, Hammond shared on This Morning that she once weighed 28 stone, which is about 392 pounds. She also shared that after a humiliating incident where she was moved to first class because a fellow passenger complained about her taking up too much space, she began purchasing two seats for flights. “That’s morbidly obese, and I would buy an extra seat every time I flew,” she confessed.
Despite the rise in popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Hammond made it clear that she’s not currently using them, though she acknowledged that they work for many people.
The Secrets Behind Alison Hammond’s 150-Lb Weight Loss
By December 2024, Hammond had dropped 11 stone, or 154 lbs, and is no longer pre-diabetic. Experts weigh in on the three main strategies that helped her succeed.
1. Healthier Eating Habits
Hammond improved her diet by cutting down on sweets and fatty foods. While this may seem obvious, reducing the intake of these items is essential for weight loss. Foods high in added sugars, refined flour, and unhealthy fats contribute to excess calories and lack nutritional value, explains Dr. Marsha Novick, an obesity medicine specialist.
Hammond swapped out ultra-processed sugary snacks like candy, cookies, sugary drinks, and pastries, opting for non-starchy vegetables and lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and beans. For her sweet cravings, she chose fresh fruit, which doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Dr. Novick also recommends incorporating healthy fats like those found in avocados and nuts, which can support weight loss and promote heart health when consumed in moderation. Occasional indulgences like a small piece of dark chocolate or unsalted nuts can also fit into a balanced diet, she adds. “I recommend balance,” Dr. Novick says, emphasizing a focus on vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats while enjoying treats in moderation.
2. Strength Training
In addition to diet changes, Hammond made weight lifting a part of her routine. She lifts weighted balls and keeps weights in her bedroom for easy access. Weight training not only helps build muscle but also increases calorie burn, even at rest.
Malia Frey, a certified personal trainer and health coach, explains that having more muscle helps burn fat and increases physical activity. “You’ll feel more comfortable climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or hiking,” Frey says. To build muscle and burn fat, she recommends lifting weights two to three times a week for at least 30 minutes, focusing on major muscle groups like the chest, back, legs, and core. Bodyweight exercises, such as squats and lunges, are also effective.
Frey suggests pairing strength training with cardiovascular exercises for the best results. “A combination of weight training (2-3 days a week) and cardio (3-4 days a week) is ideal for weight loss,” she says. However, she notes that muscle weighs more than fat, so individuals may see a weight increase on the scale, even as their bodies become leaner.
3. Low-Impact Exercise
In addition to strength training, Hammond also embraced low-impact exercises like yoga and walking. These activities not only help with weight loss but also improve aerobic health. Frey recommends brisk walks of 30-40 minutes each day, including hills, to boost calorie burn and muscle development. Aiming for 60-70% of one’s maximum heart rate during a walk can be especially beneficial.build
While yoga typically burns fewer calories than more intense exercises, certain types, such as vinyasa or power yoga, can be more physically demanding. Frey suggests consistency is key, recommending 4-5 sessions of exercise each week.
Conclusion
Alison Hammond’s weight loss journey is a testament to the power of healthy lifestyle changes. By making simple yet impactful changes to her diet, incorporating strength training, and engaging in regular low-impact exercise, she has achieved remarkable results. Experts agree that these approaches—moderate diet changes, strength training, and low-impact exercises—can work for others seeking to lose weight and improve their health.
