It’s no secret that James ‘Arg’ Argent has struggled with his weight over the years.
But today the reality star admitted he was ‘scared’ when he was informed he needed to lose a whopping 10 stone after finding out he was morbidly obese and at risk of heart disease.
The TOWIE favourite was delivered the shocking news by Dr Ranj on This Morning, who explained to him he also needs to shed 17 inches from his middle.
Offering what he called “tough love” to Arg, the doctor added that Arg is "significantly obese" with a BMI of 44.
With this comes an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes, so Dr Ranj made it clear he needs to lose 10 stone, suggesting he does it slowly at two pounds a week.
Reacting to the news, Arg, 31, told hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield: "I’ve done it before so I can do it again.
"It’s all or nothing. I’m starving myself and its drastic and quick. It's not the way to go about it. What I’ve taken from the doctor is it's a long term goal.
"It's quite scary. Ten stone is a hell of a lot of weight and it’s a marathon. It seems like it’s not going to be a quick fix."
Despite being probed as to whether his recent split from Gemma Collins added to his weight gain, Arg said "would not be fair" to blame her, instead saying his drink and drug problems have stemmed from his "eating disorder".
He said: "I knew my weight visibly when I looked in the mirror and clothes, especially the last few months, I put on a substantial amount of weight and was conscious taking photos.
"I’m very fortunate, I never really get much hate on social media. I'm quite liked. I’ve noticed the trolling has got more and more the bigger I’ve got.
"I do tend to laugh things off. I am thick skinned. I’m used to being bantered but it can still hurt.
"Now it's gone to a point not ones really laughing anymore."
This Morning airs weekdays from 10.30am on ITV.
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