Ed Gamble: The Horrible Truth About Body Transformations & The Real Cost of Fitness (2026)

Ed Gamble, the comedian, presenter, and podcaster, is not a fan of TikTok. In his own words, the app is "manic and stressful", with its intense music, random videos, and flicking through content. But it's not just TikTok that's causing concern. Even on the social media platforms he still uses, Gamble has noticed a shift in toxicity. He's seen a rise in ripped lads on his feed, and he's not a fan of the body transformation culture that often accompanies it. As someone who has gone through his own body transformations, from a self-professed 'lovely fat little boy' to achieving a dramatic seven-stone weight loss, Gamble is well-positioned to comment on the issue. He's seen the toll that extreme dieting and exercise can take, and he's not a fan of the idea that food lovers can't look a certain way. Gamble's own relationship with food and body image is complex. He's had type 1 diabetes since he was 13, and it's a constant, unending maintenance job. His glucose levels are like a puppy: excited, unpredictable, and troublesome. But by sharing his experiences, Gamble has found a positive response. He's wary of the trend of oversharing about health issues online, but he believes that talking about mental health is important. In his own words, 'I'm like: 'No, I don't wanna talk about it with you. You seem really annoying.' But I think it's important to share our experiences, even if it's just to say that we're not alone.' Gamble's perspective on body image and health is one that many can relate to. He's seen the impact of social media on body image, and he's not a fan of the extreme dieting and exercise culture that often accompanies it. But by sharing his own experiences, he's found a way to connect with others and to raise awareness about the issues surrounding body image and health. In my opinion, Gamble's perspective is one that needs to be heard. It's a perspective that challenges the idea that extreme dieting and exercise are the only ways to achieve a certain body image. It's a perspective that highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance, and the need to prioritize mental health over physical appearance. From my perspective, Gamble's story is a powerful reminder that body image is a complex issue that affects us all. It's a story that needs to be told, and it's a story that needs to be heard.