Sunday, 4 December 2011

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X Factor judge Gary Barlow: Once I started to eat, I couldn't stop - but I felt so guilty

Take That star Gary Barlow reveals his weight battle

Gary Barlow is adored by women across the country

Gary Barlow has never looked better - but the journey to his new streamlined image hasn't been easy.

The X Factor judge was once labelled the 'fat one' in Take That and when the band split in 1996 his weight ballooned so much that he struggled to sit up.

His wife, Dawn, suggested he visit the doctor and Gary quickly realised things needed to change. 

'Dawn knows how weight has always been my enemy, how with every mouthful of food I have always felt guilty,' says Gary, 40.

'I've actually had major problems with food for years and years.

'I realised that once I started to eat, I couldn't stop.'

But the handsome TV star, who now has a healthy diet but won't deprive himself, is finally at peace with his appearance.

'I'm at a weight that I'm just so bloody happy with and I feel amazing,' he says.

'I'm full of confidence. 

'It's going to sound so shallow, but being happy with the way I look makes me spring out of bed in the morning and want to live life.'

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Esme Riley