Ben Shephard Reveals His Crippling Health Battle and the One Supplement He Swears By for Recovery
This Morning presenter Ben Shephard is celebrating his 50th birthday today, embracing the milestone with a focus on fitness and resilience, despite battling persistent back and knee injuries. Determined to be in the best shape of his life, Ben has been open about his recovery journey and commitment to staying active.
In a recent Q&A with fans, Ben addressed concerns about his ongoing back issues, which stem from a middle-aged injury exacerbated by a football-related knee injury in 2018. When a fan asked about his back, particularly after his son jumped on him, Ben reassured them with a smile. “I have spent a long time working hard to try and reinforce it, so I have a very strong core and very tight glutes,” he explained, reported by Surrey Live.
Ben shared that he incorporates Glucosamine supplements into his regimen to manage joint pain in his back and knees. “I use Glucosamine for my joints to try and help with my knee and my back, using heights,” he said, adding that he also takes magnesium-based supplements from Vitals, which he finds beneficial.
While Glucosamine has been commonly used for joint pain relief, the NHS and NICE have noted limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for conditions like osteoarthritis. Despite this, Ben remains proactive in managing his health and fitness.
The TV host’s injuries have shaped his approach to physical challenges. After rupturing his ACL, tearing his meniscus, and fracturing part of his leg during a football match, Ben recounted the shocking moment on Instagram. “Without realizing, I have ruptured my ACL, I’ve torn the meniscus and fractured part of my leg. I carried on playing for 25 minutes. It turns out I severed all of my nerves, which is why I carried on playing.”
Though marathons are no longer on his fitness agenda—he’s completed 14 in the past—Ben has embraced other challenges. To mark his milestone birthday, he’s undertaken 50 pull-ups, weightlifting sessions, and cold-water dips. In October, he also participated in the Tough Mudder North West, a demanding obstacle course and mud run.
Beyond fitness, Ben is taking on a new professional challenge as a host for ITV’s The Summit. The reality competition pushes contestants to trek to the peak of a mountain in New Zealand’s South Island, vying for a share of a massive cash prize.
Ben’s positivity and determination to thrive at 50 serve as inspiration to his fans, proving that age is no barrier to staying strong and active.