Ruth Langsford on why she’s prioritising her health – but also ensuring she enjoys life
WORDS: ROBYN MORRIS. PHOTOS: GETTY, INSTAGRAM @RUTHLANGSFORD
Menopause weight gain is a struggle most women can relate to – not least Ruth Langsford. The telly favourite admits, ‘These days I put on weight much more easily.’ But as she approaches her 64th birthday next month, the Loose Women presenter is trying her hardest to stay as positive as possible and focus on her health instead. ‘I’m in a pretty good place,’ she says. ‘My late father had Alzheimer’s and my mum had dementia, so that brings into focus your own health, but also celebrating being in your 60s.’
MENOPAUSE STRUGGLES
Opening up about how her body has changed in recent years, mum-of-one Ruth says, ‘I’ve never really had huge problems with weight gain, so I’ve been very lucky in my life. I like good food so I eat well and I cook, but the weight gain and the shape change in menopause I’ve really struggled with and I try really hard.’
And while Ruth tries hard to embrace her new shape, it’s easier said than done. ‘Everybody talks about body positivity and to love yourself, but sometimes I look in the mirror and I don’t love myself,’ she says. ‘I look and go, “I’ve got no waist any more, I’ve got thick, fat knees.” I’ve thickened up, as my mum would say, and I don’t love it.’ But she’s determined not to let it get her down and instead focuses on her health, saying, ‘It’s about trying to find a balance.’
And it isn’t just her weight that’s been affected. ‘When you get into your 50s and 60s, life doesn’t stop,’ says Ruth. ‘The menopause is a change, but it can also be a beginning. The effects are different for everybody. I had extreme fatigue and just felt flat. Then there was the heat. [Last] Christmas I remember flinging open the back door and standing in my T-shirt, going, “Oh god!” Now I take bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which is like having a handmade pair of shoes. Within three days of starting to take it, I felt as though I’d shed a big, heavy cape.’
HEALTH KICK
When it comes to taking care of her health, one thing Ruth won’t do is throw in the towel. Still keen to look after her body and stay in the best shape possible, she says, ‘It’s a constant battle because I don’t want it to consume me. So it’s trying to find acceptance, which is that “you’re 63, Ruth, and you’re probably never going to be a size 12 again
