Gary Barlow reveals ‘I still think of myself as a fat guy’

X Factor judge Gary Barlow has revealed that he keeps his diet and fitness regime in check by refusing to allow himself to think he is slim.

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by Closer staff |
Published on

The Take That singer, who once weighed 224 pounds, is now in terrific shape after years of following a healthy, controlled diet and exercising regularly.

He said in an interview: ‘I still think of myself as a fat guy, I've had it under control for a few years but it's hard. I can't relax I can't ever think I'm slim.’

Gary was much fuller faced a few years ago
Gary was much fuller faced a few years ago

Gary has previously spoken out about his weight problems saying that they started when his solo career stalled after Take That split in 1996. At the height of his weight gain he had a body mass index of 34.7 classifying him as obese.

The loveable judge has said before that he used his weight as a form of disguise: ‘You know, I ate so much food and you couldn’t recognise me and that was what I wanted.’

Gary (far right) at the peak of Take That's fame

Speaking about Take That’s split and the effect it had on his self esteem, Gary said: ‘I thought my life was over. All I could think was that after going round the world, having hit after hit, the whole thing had stopped and I was actually qualified for nothing. Nothing prepares you for the fame but nothing prepares you for what happens when it all stops. People literally won't speak to you.’

Gary is much slimmer these days due to his strict diet

Despite his success with Take That since their reunion and his role as an X Factor judge on one the UK’s biggest TV shows, Gary continues refusing to relax his diet and fitness regime. He reportedly limits portion sizes and prefers to eat away from his fellow judges in an effort to avoid regaining pounds.

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