TV news anchor Carol Malia, a familiar face on Look North, recently opened up about a deeply personal battle that she faced both in front of the camera and in her private life: her struggle with weight. For years, Carol had been a fixture on television screens, delivering the news to hundreds of thousands of viewers nightly. But behind the scenes, she was fighting a battle that many people face—dealing with body image issues and the harsh criticism that comes with being in the public eye.
Carol’s story is one of determination, resilience, and ultimately, triumph. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt judged for their appearance, and it serves as an inspiration for those looking to make a change in their lives.
The Pain of Public Scrutiny
As a prominent TV presenter, Carol Malia was always in the public eye. With that visibility came not just admiration, but also scrutiny—scrutiny that often took the form of hurtful, unsolicited comments about her weight. Trolls, hiding behind the anonymity of the internet, sent her messages that were as cruel as they were uncalled for, attacking her appearance and making her feel self-conscious.
“In many ways, there was a point where a professional was crossing over into personal,” Carol said. “As I read the news about obesity and heart issues in the Northeast, I couldn’t help but feel ashamed of my own weight.”
These comments didn’t just hurt—they lingered. Despite her professionalism and years of experience, Carol found it difficult to shake off the sting of those words. They played on her mind, affecting not just her self-esteem but also her sense of self-worth.
A Wake-Up Call
The turning point in Carol’s journey came not from the hurtful comments, but from a more positive source: a friend. This friend, who played tennis with Carol regularly, was also on her own weight loss journey. Week after week, Carol noticed her friend shrinking before her eyes, getting fitter and healthier with each passing day.
“It wasn’t a magic pill,” Carol said, recalling her friend’s transformation. “She was simply going to a regular slimming class.”
This realization was a wake-up call for Carol. If her friend could do it, so could she. And so, with a mix of determination and a bit of skepticism, Carol decided to join a slimming class herself.
“I had that thought that there was no way I was going to sit around in a group to be lectured at,” she admitted. “However, the truth was that I was there with three friends and a few other people I knew; it was similar to a comedy club but with excellent tips, advice, and focus.”
Embracing a New Lifestyle
Joining the slimming class was just the beginning of Carol’s transformation. She knew that if she wanted to achieve real, lasting change, she would need to make significant adjustments to her lifestyle—both physically and socially.
“My job meant a lot of balls, dinners, after-work events, and functions,” Carol explained. “I had to make the choice to cut back on my social life, give myself more time to do things right, and refuse to say yes to every dinner invitation.”
This decision was not an easy one. Carol loved her social life, and cutting back on dinners and events was a sacrifice. But it was a necessary one. By reducing her social commitments, she was able to focus on her health and fitness, making time for the activities that would help her achieve her goals.
One of those activities was running. Carol joined a local running group called “Jog on the Tyne,” and soon, her Sunday mornings were dedicated to getting in a good run before the day began. Starting with a simple regimen—one minute of walking followed by one minute of running—Carol gradually built up her stamina. Over the course of 10 weeks, she went from barely being able to run to comfortably completing four-mile runs on hills.
“Carol said, “I ran the Great North Run before having children when I was 36/37.” However, when I restarted, we built it up from a one-minute walk to a one-minute run. Now on Sundays, we do about five miles.”
The Results: A Newfound Confidence
The results of Carol’s hard work and dedication were nothing short of remarkable. In just eight months, she lost three-and-a-half stone (49 pounds), dropping two to three dress sizes and gaining a new lease on life. The change was not just physical—it was emotional and psychological as well.
Carol’s weight loss was apparent to her viewers, who began noticing her transformation on screen. But more than just noticing, they were inspired by it. Carol started receiving emails from viewers who had been motivated by her journey, asking for advice and thanking her for being a source of inspiration.
“I have had emails from viewers saying they have been inspired by me to lose weight themselves,” Carol stated. “And yes, calling me an inspiration.”
Despite the overwhelming positivity, Carol remains humble about her journey. She acknowledges that, as a professional journalist, her job should not be about how she looks. But she also understands the power of her platform and the impact that her story can have on others.
“It shouldn’t be about how I look,” she admitted. “But people are encouraged and inspired by what I’ve done. To be honest, the response seems a little overwhelming, but it’s great that people are motivated and interested.”
Navigating Professional Challenges
Carol’s weight loss journey has coincided with one of the most challenging periods of her career. The past year has seen her tackle some of the most demanding stories, including extensive coverage of Brexit and its impact on the North East. Chairing live debates and navigating the complexities of such a contentious issue required not only her journalistic skills but also her mental and physical stamina.
“That required an awful lot of research,” Carol said of her Brexit coverage. “Obviously, we have an amazing team, but I really had to know my stuff and be on my toes—we had some very lively debate.”
Maintaining her health and fitness amidst such a demanding work schedule has been a challenge in itself. With late-night broadcasts and a hectic work routine, Carol has had to be mindful of her eating habits and ensure that she stays on track.
“My work schedule is full-on, with evening and late-night broadcasts,” she explained. “Eating only after 9 p.m. when I get home or grazing all day makes for a unique healthy eating challenge. I’ve always got boxes full of crunchy vegetables near me,” she confessed with a smile.
Redefining Indulgence
Part of Carol’s transformation has involved redefining what indulgence means to her. Gone are the days of frequent wine-drinking and indulgent meals. Instead, Carol has adopted a more mindful approach to food and drink, savoring the things she enjoys in moderation.
“Now we’ll get a very good bottle of wine on a Friday, and I will really look forward to that good, big glass of red and really savor and enjoy it,” she said. “Regarding other meals, I’ll prepare Sunday lunch; I just won’t be serving roast beef or Yorkshire pudding.”
Breakfast, once a hurried affair, has become a nutritious start to the day. Carol now enjoys Weetabix with yogurt and a generous helping of fruit, or toast with ham or smoked salmon. Lunches are simple but satisfying, often consisting of salads with red wine vinegar dressing, and snacks are carefully chosen to keep her energy levels up without compromising her health.
“I’ve replaced crisps with seaweed thins, and if I want something sweet, I have plain yogurt with honey and some ground nutmeg or cinnamon, raspberries, and oranges,” Carol shared. “I do miss eating bread—a lovely rustic, artisan loaf—but you can get by.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Carol Malia
As Carol continues her journey towards her target weight, she remains focused on the bigger picture: living a healthy, balanced life. She’s excited about the prospect of reaching her goal and has plans to celebrate in style—a night out at a lovely restaurant and perhaps a new swimsuit for the summer.
“It surprises but pleases me that people find inspiration in me,” she remarked, considering her own experience. “When I get to my target weight, I’ll be heading out for an amazing night out meal somewhere lovely and getting a new swimsuit for summer.”
Carol Malia’s story is one of empowerment and resilience. It’s a testament to the power of determination and the impact that small, consistent changes can have on one’s life. Her journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their goals and lead a healthier, happier life.
