Broadcaster Vanessa Feltz has revealed how she maintains her slimmer physique, discussing her weight-loss journey, growing confidence and renewed interest in dating at the age of 64.
The television and radio presenter, who has been open about her struggles with her weight over the years, recently showcased her new appearance in photographs shared last week.
Her weight has fluctuated between sizes 10 and 22 over the past three decades.
However, she says her current lifestyle, which involves plenty of daily activity and spending time with her grandchildren, has helped her remain active.
Speaking to the Daily Mail during her partnership with AXA UK, which aims to promote the benefits of friendships between different generations, Vanessa explained that walking and keeping busy form the foundation of her physical activity.
Grandchildren and Daily Activities Keep Her Active
Vanessa revealed that she spends considerable time walking and running around, particularly because of her four grandchildren, whom she sees regularly.
She also incorporates some resistance training into her routine, acknowledging the importance of maintaining muscle strength as people grow older.
However, she admitted that formal exercise does not play a major role in her lifestyle.
Asked about NEAT, which stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis and describes the energy expended through everyday movements rather than structured workouts, Vanessa joked that she had little interest in activities such as lunging or hoovering.
She said neither activity appealed to her, adding that her everyday movements and occasional resistance training made up most of her physical routine.
Gastric Bypass Was Responsible for Her Weight Loss
The presenter also addressed the reasons behind her slimmer appearance, making it clear that her transformation was not the result of suddenly adopting a particularly restrictive diet.
Vanessa admitted that she still enjoys indulgent foods, including chocolate mousse, and has not developed a preference for healthier alternatives such as celery.
She explained that her weight loss was largely connected to undergoing gastric bypass surgery.
Vanessa also expressed regret about the timing of the procedure, revealing that she paid a substantial amount for the operation in 2019.
Reflecting on the development of weight-loss injections, she said she sometimes wished she had waited longer rather than spending so much money on surgery.
She described her decision as unfortunate timing, suggesting that she could have considered the weight-loss injections that subsequently became widely available.
Vanessa Reveals Her Experience With Cosmetic Procedures
Vanessa also discussed the cosmetic treatments she has undergone, revealing that Botox is the only procedure she has regularly used.
She said she began having Botox when she was approximately 37 or 40 years old.
The broadcaster added that she has not had dermal fillers or other cosmetic procedures and admitted that she feels somewhat apprehensive about trying them.
Presenter Hints at Exploring New Romantic Possibilities
Away from discussions about her appearance, Vanessa offered a glimpse into her romantic life, hinting that she may be exploring new possibilities in the dating world.
When asked about her current romantic experiences, she responded that she had been “experimenting”, without providing further details.
The presenter was previously in a relationship with singer Ben Ofoedu for 16 years, from 2006 until their separation in 2023.
She also shared the relationship advice she would give her younger self, encouraging women to take a more confident and active approach when choosing romantic partners.
Vanessa said women should avoid being overly grateful simply because someone has expressed an interest in them.
Instead, she believes they should develop the confidence to make their own choices.
She advised people to become the ones doing the choosing rather than always being pleased to have been selected by someone else.
Age Has Changed Her Perspective on Confidence
The 64-year-old also reflected on how her understanding of confidence has developed over the years.
She admitted that looking back at earlier stages of her life sometimes makes her realise how much unnecessary worry and insecurity she experienced.
According to Vanessa, there were situations in which she could have been more relaxed and enjoyed herself instead of becoming overwhelmed by concerns.
However, she acknowledged that it is difficult to advise younger people to be confident when they have not yet developed the knowledge and life experience that can make confidence easier.
She explained that hindsight makes many situations appear less complicated than they felt at the time.
Vanessa Celebrates Friendship Across Generations
Vanessa’s comments about relationships and confidence came as she partnered with AXA UK to promote the importance of friendships between people of different age groups.
As part of the campaign, she reunited with her former Strictly Come Dancing dance partner, James Jordan, with whom she has maintained a friendship since appearing together on the BBC programme in 2013.
Despite their 16-year age difference, the pair have continued to spend time together and maintain a close relationship.
Speaking about their friendship, Vanessa described James as patient, kind and decent, while also praising his humorous and provocative personality.
She particularly appreciated his willingness to engage in arguments and discuss politics.
AXA Research Highlights Cross-Generational Friendships
Vanessa encouraged people to develop friendships outside their usual social circles, warning that individuals can become too comfortable within groups made up of people from similar backgrounds and age ranges.
She explained that building relationships with people from different generations can introduce new interests, experiences and perspectives.
The presenter urged people not to limit their friendships based on age, background or differences in interests.
Research commissioned by AXA UK found that six in ten adults have friends from different generations.
The findings also revealed that 75 per cent of respondents said they would always make time to speak with older people and learn from their experiences.
Through the campaign, Vanessa and AXA UK are highlighting the value of bringing generations together and encouraging people to build meaningful friendships across age groups.
