Loose Women star Denise Welch is currently on holiday with her hubby in sunny Portugal, taking advantage of the soaring temperatures while marking an impressive milestone.
The 62-year-old panellist celebrated the seven-year anniversary of her weight loss journey, explaining she took on a slimming plan after she found she had turned to comfort eating.
Striking a pose in a scarlet bikini, Denise looked radiant as she posed against the white wall of her villa, her lips painted a shade of post-box red.
Adding a pair of gold heels by way of accessories and smiling into the camera, the former soap star looked beautiful as she showcased her body transformation.
In her caption, Denise opened up about the story behind her weight loss, explaining she turned to food as a source of comfort after quitting drinking alcohol.
Denise opened up about her weight loss journey in the heartfelt Instagram post (Image: denise_welch/Instagram)
She said: “Seven yrs ago I joined @lighterlife as I’d put on over 2 stone after giving up alcohol. I realised I was on a slippery slope of replacing alcohol addiction with food addiction. I wanted a diet plan that would change my relationship with food not just help me lose the weight.”
Desperate to shed the extra weight, she looked into cognitive behavioural therapy to make a permanent, mindful change both inside and out.
She continued: “@lighterlife was the only one using cognitive behavioural therapy alongside meal replacements (proven to be the best in the U.K. re vitamins, minerals required for daily intake).
Denise explained she wanted to “change my relationship with food” several years previously (Image: Getty Images)
“I lost 2st in 8 weeks and have kept it off ever since. I use the flexifasting plan to feel healthier and to avoid gaining too much again. The osteoarthritis in my knees and back improved by 90% immediately and have never returned to where they were.”
In the sponsored post, Denise added she spends time with doctors and dietary specialists, helping the company to aid others in their weight loss journey.
She added: “I am proud to be the ambassador and we need to acknowledge how important it is to look at why so many people emotionally eat and how food is to many what alcohol was to me.
Denise regularly shares radiant swimwear photos with her followers (Image: Instagram)
“Everyone deserves freedom from addiction especially now as anxiety and depression are on the increase.”
In the comments below, Denise’ fans praised her journey, thanking the ITV star for her honesty and openness in all aspects of her life.
One said: “I think you are such an inspiration.”
“You look absolutely incredible Denise go you!! What an inspirational woman,” added a second.
And a third chimed: “Looking great Denise! Happiness on the inside shows on the outside! Well done!”
Loose Women continues on Monday at 12.30pm on ITV.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
