Monday, 26 March 2007

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Missy Elliott: Losing 5st saved my life

Larger-than-life rap star Missy still struggles to resist a McDonald's sundae

What made you decide to lose weight?

It wasn't actually my decision. I'd gone for a routine checkup with my doctor when he sat me down and told me my blood pressure was incredibly high and I should be in the hospital. He basically said that if I didn't lose weight I'd end up having a stroke and dying.

It was a complete shock as I had no idea my health was in jeopardy.

I immediately started on two blood pressure pills a day and I've been taking them ever since. I'm trying to stick to a healthier diet so I can eventually cut my dose down to just one tablet a day.

Did you change your eating habits straight away?

Absolutely. I'd always loved fried chicken and those sorts of bad foods had to go immediately. I got a nutritionist and a cook to help me out with a really strict diet, which almost killed me!

I can't cook anything but eggs, so either my cook or my mom will make me baked chicken – I choose healthier options now rather than fried foods. I've also got to control my blood pressure so I use salt substitutes.

What were your secret food vices?

I love peanut M&Ms, McDonald's ice-cream sundaes and all that naughty stuff, which I had to cut out completely. Don't get me wrong, I still sneak the odd naughty thing in, but you can't afford to take your life lightly so I think twice now before picking up a chocolate bar.

How often do you work out?

Whenever I can. I always try to fit in some exercise. I do a lot of walking. I put on those suits that make you sweat loads and I walk for miles in the hot Miami heat. People look at me like I've lost my mind! But it's a great way to burn off those pounds.

Do you have a personal trainer?

I did to begin with. I knew I wouldn't have the willpower to do it on my own and he was great motivation. When I first started he'd have me at the gym four times a day and I'd spend about 45 minutes on the treadmill each time.

He was brilliant because he'd do the exercises with me, not just stand around telling me what to do.

What sort of reaction did you get with your new figure?

Everyone has been amazing. I didn't realise I was as big as I was. It's great when I bump into someone I haven't seen for a while because they can't believe it's me. My mom thinks it's fantastic that I've done so well and she wants me to keep up the hard work.

The best reality check I got was when I flew into London to promote an album. I was really shocked at just how unfriendly everyone was – no one spoke to me when I walked into the room. Then I realised they hadn't actually recognised me!

They were stunned I'd lost so much weight. That was a great feeling.

You lost 5st in all. How long did it take you?

It's been just over four years and it's still an incredibly hard journey, especially when I'm on the road touring. There are always lots of munchies and snacks around so I try to resist temptation when I can, but I'm only human. I don't beat myself up for occasionally giving in and having bad stuff.

Being in the music industry, which is incredibly image-driven, had you ever felt under pressure to lose weight before?

No, I was lucky. I'd always been happy with my size and the record label never asked me to lose weight.

They saw me as bringing something different to the table and being unique in my own way. I even used to poke fun at my size, which is why I wore an inflatable PVC suit for the video of The Rain.

Do you get more attention from guys now you're slimmer?

To be honest I've always had attention from guys, but it's not like I've got thousands of them throwing themselves at my feet now. I'd say that the difference now is they're certainly not shy about approaching me.

So, are you seeing anyone special at the moment?

I'm probably one of the hardest working people in the industry and if I did have a boyfriend he'd be cheating on me as I'm never at home.

I'm cool with my own company. What I'd like to do is find an English boyfriend - their accents are real cute.

Has your sex life benefited from your trimmer figure?

Oh yeah! I guess you're more open and confident when you lose weight - I don't have to worry about turning off the lights anymore. But I'd better steer clear of those home videos... Just look at what happened to Paris Hilton.

Selina Julien