Gemma Collins has shared a throwback photo of herself and opened up about struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome.
"As you can see guys when I was in my 20s I was very slim then I was told I had PCOS and it’s been a struggle ever since however I make the most of myself and remain positive because it’s what in your heart counts the most ❤️💗❤️," she wrote.
She went on to encourage her followers to be kind, "Sending love to all the PCOS sufferers it’s not easy. 💗
"And always be kind people people are not always over weight because of all the stereotypical bullying comments!
"I CHOSE to RISE ABOVE and continued to promote body confidence even when I had my own personal struggles and the secret to my success was just being ME!"
The GC added, "Lots of people have bullied me taunted me and also early on in the industry [told me] lose weight you're too fat to promote my brand!!! It’s endless!!!
"Cough cough... where are you people now 🤔 WHERE AM I 🤗 RISE HIGHER ✌🏻 always BELIEVE IN YOU 💫 my heart has always been the same no matter of my size 💗".
Go, Gemma.
Check out: Gemma Collins' In The Style range is just as iconic as her
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Gemma Collins In The Style collection - slider
1 of 11Gemma Collins 'Mood' Pink Sweatshirt
Because the GC is just our forever mood, tbh.
2 of 11Gemma Collins 'We Will Get Through This' Top
Remind yourself (and anyone you walk past in Sainsbury's) that things will be okay, GC style.
3 of 11Gemma Collins 'Working From Home' T-Shirt
If your WFH style can only be described as 'in bed watching Netflix' this one's for you...
4 of 11Gemma Collins '5k Run' t-shirt
LOL. Is there anything worse than being tagged in a 5k challenge? Is there?!
5 of 11Gemma Collins Black Oversized 'I'm Claustrophobic Darren' Meme Unisex Sweatshirt
Single? Taken? Nope, I'm claustrophobic Darren. We're literally obsessed with the jumper.
6 of 11Gemma Collins White 'The GC' Meme Unisex Sweatshirt
She's the Queen of reality TV so why not show your support in this jumper than literally has her looking as sassy as ever on it?
7 of 11Gemma Collins White 'Which GC Are You Today' Meme Unisex T-Shirt
This is one of our favourite memes of ALL TIME. On a serious note though, what GC are you today?
8 of 11Gemma Collins White 'I Just Wanna Be Me' Meme Unisex T-Shirt
If you've not seen that video of Gemma saying "I just wanna be me" while everyone else is shouting in the background then you need to Google it and buy this top.
9 of 11Gemma Collins Black 'Ain't Ever Gonna Get This Candy' Meme Unisex T-Shirt
Okay so Gemma may be in an on/off relationship with James 'Arg' Argent but that doesn't take away from the fact that she told him he's "never gonna get this candy" on TOWIE.
10 of 11Gemma Collins White 'Falling For F--kboys' Meme Unisex T-Shirt
The caption on the t-shirt speaks for itself but so does the photo of Gemma falling over on Dancing on Ice. Bless her...
11 of 11Gemma Collins Black 'Payday' Gemma & Pony Meme Unisex T-Shirt
This meme speaks to us on a personal level. "When it's pay day and you start buying unnecessary sh-t" is 100% us.
According to the NHS, PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome - is a common condition that affects how a woman's ovaries work. Symptoms can include irregular periods, difficulties getting pregnant, excessive hair growth, weight gain, hair loss and oily skin or acne.
Thousands of Gemma's followers praised her for speaking out with one person writing, "I love this! I have PCOS and it's really hard. People presume too much! We can rise above love your brand and you 💖".
Another related saying, "Never knew this! Thank you so much for sharing. Sometimes you can feel so alone with PCOS".
One more added, "I needed to hear this today as a PCOS sufferer myself it's so easy for others to say 'do some exercise, go on a diet, lose weight' but they don't quite understand just how difficult it is".
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The TOWIE star has previously opened up about her recent weight loss and admitted she uses controversial weight loss injections to help her shed the pounds although she's switched up her diet too - even becoming a vegan (sort of).
"It’s fantastic but like everything, and I just want to say, so many people think there’s going to be a miracle cure and there isn’t it…
"Before I went away I was taking it every day, I did lose two stone but don’t expect a miracle cure, you can’t inject a jab and be eating burgers and chips and pizzas. You have to apply yourself as well," she confessed on Good Morning Britain.