Fern Britton's heart fear

Tuesday, 5 August 2008

Fern Britton had a gastric band operation because she was terrified her weight would lead to her having a heart attack, she has revealed.

The 'This Morning' host - who stunned fans last month after admitting her drastic weight loss was down to the intrusive operation rather than the diet and exercise regime she previously claimed - has now admitted she decided to take the step after being told her cholesterol level was far too high.

Fern, 51, said: "I've always felt that I would go on until I was at least 85 years old. But it was in the last few years, my cholesterol crept up. I thought I would be careful because I didn't want to have a heart attack. Now I am very happy. Enough weight has disappeared to make a difference."

However, Fern - who is married to chef Phil Vickery - insists she is determined not to get obsessed with her size.

She added to Slim At Home magazine: "Women focused on dieting and themselves very often have an unhappy personal relationship. I love eating and I've fed my body rubbish in the past. But life is too short to be constantly depriving ourselves."

(C) BANG Media International