[Kaz]

Found this interesting interview with Adele in today's Sunday People online. I've copied it out in full because their links have a habit of disappearing!

WARNING: BIG BROTHER CAN RUIN YOUR HEALTH

Before Big Brother, hadn't you been body-building ?

Yes, I'd been training for a one-off body-building show. This was a new thing for me, but I entered because I wanted to shape my body from my usual 11st, which at 5ft 4ins made me about a size 12/14. I entered for the figure class, where it wasn't about having big muscles but about having a low percentage of body fat. By eating mainly turkey and cottage cheese, I slimmed to 7st 4lb. I ended up about a size 6 and with just 5 per cent body fat.

How much weight did you put on in the house?

I weigh about 10st now, but I'd feel better at 9st. I'm feeling good, just a little overweight. I wasn't particularly happy at 7st - my face was so gaunt and my body didn't look like mine any more.

How did Big Brother affect your health?

The main problem was boredom - eating was just something to do. We put family-sized bars of chocolate on our shopping list every week and regularly ate fatty, sugary treats like pizza, chocolate or cream cakes. By the end, everyone was obsessed with chocolate - it was all we talked about when we were on the poor side [the housemates were divided into rich and poor sides]. The poor side was terrible for our health because the diet was so carbohydrate-based. We lived off pasta, rice, lentils, bread and anything we could pick from the garden. We all piled on weight and using the loo was a nightmare because we had funny tummies.

Could you exercise?

I tried hard to keep up with my press-ups and sit-ups, but it was really difficult to do much else. Lee and I did tricep dips off the breakfast stools and, for a while, once Sandy had gone, I did pool work-outs three times a day for an hour each time.

Did alcohol play a big part for you?

I didn't drink much in the house, though I know some of the others did go mad on it. I did try, but it made me go to sleep.

Are you working out now?

As I won the body-building competition, I'm now entered for the finals in October. I'd like to do it if I've got time, but I'm busy with press conferences and photo-shoots. I still haven't had time to go the gym, and I have to grab lunch on the run, which means crisps and sandwiches. Once I've settled down, I'll do two hours of cardio work, press-ups, sit- ups and weights a day. And I'll eat lean protein and small portions of carbohydrate. I don't have a personal trainer but my uncle gives me advice and I read lots of magazines.

How much water do you drink?

At the moment, I drink only if I'm thirsty because it's inconvenient to rush off to the loo. But when I go back to my normal life, I'll be drinking lots to flush out toxins.

Are you under pressure to be slim?

No, but I know I'll feel a whole lot better in myself if I lose weight.

Do you have any health niggles?

The only problem is my skin. From the age of 13, I have battled bad skin and after trying most of the drugs available, I started on the controversial drug, Roaccutane. I had to take lots of tests to get on it - it's been linked with depression - but I had a lot of faith and not much choice. I first took it three years ago and it cleared up my skin and some scarring, and I didn't get side-effects. The acne came back, though, so I ended up taking my second course while I was in the Big Brother house. My skin's better than ever now.

Would you use alternative health treatments?

I don't believe in them. I wouldn't even go for a massage because I hate people touching my body. The house-mates thought it was really funny. They'd stroke me and then laugh their heads off when I went ballistic!

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I know she was incredibly slim when she went in, but I can't believe she put on 3 stone!!

[bonzobravo]

LOL@Adele

Shut up!

[Amy]

It did look like she put weight on, but i'm at how much! It must have been boring in that house

[Janette]

Well I've just come back from a weekend away and I've put 4lb on!!!!!!

So if I can do it, I'm sure Adele can!

[Mairi]

IMHO, the reason Adele put on so much weight in such a short time is because she was so obviously underweight when she went into the house. 7 stone 4 is ridiculously light for someone of Adele's height and build. I hope she stays around the 9 stone mark as I feel this is probably the weight she should be.

Don't worry about the extra 4 lbs Janette. I'm sure you'll lose it again over the next 2 weeks. Congratulations, by the way, on almost achieving your target. I think a whole new wardrobe will soon be called for!!

[James]

I'd say that Big Brother can ruin your mental health, especially if you come out of it a unpopular as she was.

Actually, I read the bit about her skin trouble with interest. I can sympathise with her over that because I used to have to take the medication she mentions.