Melvin Odoom underwent a major health transformation on I’m A Celeb (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
star Melvin Odoom has lifted the lid on his dramatic health transformation he embarked on after leaving the jungle.
The presenter – who has partnered up with – joined the star-studded cast of the reality show last year alongside the likes of Oti Mabuse, Tulisa Contostavlos and GK Barry.
The DJ was the fourth star to leave the jungle after a gruelling two weeks with limited food and resources. Now, one month after leaving the show, the broadcaster has lifted the lid on his dramatic weight loss journey since travelling Down Under and how it has changed his relationship to food.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the 44-year-old revealed that his stomach shrunk during his time in the jungle after living on a diet of rice and beans for several days.
He told us: “I did the jungle before Christmas and the way food affected me was a big deal as an adult and I pretty much know myself.
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He revealed how his stomach had shrunk in the camp (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“It makes your days so long and also for me, it kind of changed my appreciation levels because it’s not just the amount of food you’re eating, it’s also the taste. There’s no salt or pepper on our food.
“Food makes me happy. Sweet things make me so happy. So food is such an important factor I think people underestimate how important it is because I thought it was going to be easy. I was thinking, ‘Oh I’m a healthy guy, I train, I don’t eat badly’. But trust me, food can really change your whole mindset.”
After he left the jungle, Melvin ignored the advice from the medical team and indulged in “two burgers, some chicken nuggets a ginger beer” on his way back to the hotel after the show wrapped.
The broadcaster admitted he still felt the repercussions of living in the jungle with little food for weeks for after the show ended. He went on: “On Christmas Day, I didn’t eat as much as I would usually eat.
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The Radio 1 presenter has since developed a six-pack (Image: Instagram)
“I would usually go back for seconds at Christmas, but this was the first Christmas ever where I didn’t go back for seconds because my stomach was so small.
“Look, it’s the first time I’ve seen my abs in seven years. So, in a weird kind of way there was some pros to it as well, but I think I’m back up to speed with my eating again.”
The TV presenter has teamed up with Magic Breakfast – a charity that provides a safe space for children and young people and aims to ensure no child goes to school too hungry to learn – ahead of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Speaking about his work with the charity, Melvin revealed: “I actually went to a school in my local area and I used to work with young people in a youth club in East London.
“So, when I was contacted by Magic Breakfast, I thought it was a great thing to be involved with because I’ve actually taught myself and I know how important it is for a young person’s concentration when they’re fed.
“One in five kids suffer from food insecurities of some kind and 83% of teachers have said that charities like Magic Breakfast has really helped to impact their children in a positive way.
“I just feel like our young people are quite often forgotten, which is why it’s so important that we have stuff like children’s mental health week.”