"Having loose skin is natural": Michelle Heaton opens up about embracing her imperfections and inspiring women to 'feel body positive'

Michelle Heaton, the 44-year-old pop star known for her time with Liberty X, recently made headlines by opening up about her journey to embrace her imperfections and promote body positivity.

In an interview with Sun magazine on April 17, 2024, Heaton candidly shared her perspective on her journey towards weight loss and cutting off loose skin to achieve the perfect body.

"But I can't make my body go through that after I have already had to do so much health-wise. Having loose skin is natural. I don't have the 'perfect' body, but I'm really happy in it."

This statement comes after years of battling alcohol addiction and undergoing significant health challenges, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy in 2012 due to a high risk of breast cancer.

Heaton, who has been sober for over three years, revealed her struggles with alcohol addiction, acknowledging the profound impact it had on her life. Following her decision to seek sobriety, she has become an advocate for mental health and wellness.

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Michelle Heaton on her journey towards embracing body positivity

The problem had been worsened by years of yo-yo dieting, two C-sections, a hysterectomy, and menopausal side effects. Michelle Heaton even entertained the idea of having surgery to fix it.

However, she has come to accept her perceived flaws and is now determined to support others in doing the same.

After three years of sobriety, Michelle Heaton, 44, asserts that cutting off excess skin is the only effective approach to eliminating sagging skin and mentions that she did think about it.

But then, she recollects that she was ready to make herself go through the procedures and now firmly believes that having loss is natural, and she is happy about her body.

She further mentions to Sun magazine that,

"I'm glad to be able to show other women that you don't have to look a certain way to feel body positive."

In an attempt to normalize her loose skin, Michelle Heaton shared a bikini photo on Instagram last week, and this image revealed the elasticity around her midriff, which she often covers with high-waisted workout leggings. Now that she's accepted her physique, she's stopped looking for a non-existent remedy.

"Let's be realistic, if there was something that took away our droopy skin, we'd know about it. There are so many things on the market, but there isn't anything that's going to 'fix' it."

Michelle expressed that while she doesn't necessarily love her loose skin, she has come to terms with it through acceptance. Reflecting on her journey, she noted that considering the extent of her past struggles with addiction, she acknowledges her fortunate survival and subsequent recovery. Consequently, she has learned to embrace her body, imperfections included.

Regarding the origin of her loose skin, Michelle Heaton attributed some of it to the significant weight loss she achieved by abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a consistent exercise routine, and adopting a healthy diet.

Despite the temptation to regain weight to alleviate the appearance of loose skin, she affirmed her contentment with her current physique, emphasizing her satisfaction with her body as it is.

Michelle Heaton also mentions that throughout her journey she received unwavering support from her husband, Hugh Hanley, 45 years old, who was also her personal trainer during the time. They have two kids, namely Faith, 12, and AJ, 10. She talks about her family's support by saying,

"My daughter sometimes says it's too skimpy. But my husband applauds! I'd dare anyone to tell me I can't wear a sexy outfit because I'm 44. Don't let other people's opinions drag you down."

Michelle Heaton continues by acknowledging the damaging influence of social media on body image, by making unrealistic beauty standards normal. Her decision to forgo cosmetic surgery stems from past health struggles, including preventive surgeries due to a genetic predisposition to cancer.