Coronation Street’s beloved Sue Cleaver is looking better than ever, but the truth behind her recent transformation goes far beyond just a number on the scale. At 60, the actress has opened up about how giving up alcohol and facing serious health issues pushed her into a complete lifestyle reset—one that led her to lose a stunning three stone (42 pounds).
In this blog, we’ll dive into her honest story, what really worked for her, and why she’s warning fans about weight loss scams using her name. Ready to get inspired?
How Did Sue Cleaver Lose So Much Weight?
You might think Sue jumped on some miracle diet or trendy workout plan, but her story is refreshingly real and simple. In an interview with Woman Magazine, she said it all started when she tried Dry January.
That one-month alcohol break turned into a full lifestyle change.
“I did Dry January and then I decided to carry on,” Sue shared. “I never really thought about how many calories I was consuming while having a glass of red wine while cooking dinner, and then a couple more while eating it.”
She admitted that cutting back on wine had a major impact on her body—and her mindset. By removing something she used regularly, especially during the pandemic, she finally saw real changes.
Was She Sick Before Losing Weight?
Yes, and Sue’s not shy about it.
In fact, she credits part of her weight loss to being “seriously ill” last year. She didn’t go into full details about her health issues, but she did say that her metabolism shifted and she stopped drinking entirely—both of which contributed to the pounds coming off.
“At the minute I am a lot thinner, but I’ve been ill this year,” she explained on Loose Women. “My metabolism seems to have changed.”
Did Sue Cleaver Use Keto Gummies or Diet Pills?
Nope. And she’s very clear about that.
Some shady diet companies started using her image and claiming she lost weight with keto gummies—but that’s not true at all. Sue took to Instagram to call out the scam and protect her fans.
“It’s a scam. And if you’ve been taken in by it, I am so, so sorry,” she said in a heartfelt video. “Yes, I’ve lost weight, but not from any diet. I stopped drinking and I was in the jungle.”
She also warned that she will never promote any kind of weight loss product. Why? Because she believes women already face enough pressure around body image.
Does She Still Care About Her Weight Now?
Surprisingly, not that much.
Sue has always been honest about fluctuating weight over the years, but she says she’s not obsessed with dieting. She’s more focused on being healthy and feeling good, not chasing an unrealistic body type.
“Life is hard enough!” she told Prima Magazine. “There’s always going to be pressure on women, but I refuse to get pulled into it.”
She also said that when people compliment her now, it feels strange. Sometimes, it makes her feel like they’re actually saying she didn’t look good before.
“You looked like a dog when you were big—that’s what I hear,” Sue admitted. “It’s how we talk about weight that makes a big difference.”
What Role Did Alcohol Play in Her Weight Gain?
A big one.
Sue has been very open about how her drinking habits, especially during the pandemic, led her to gain weight. She mentioned drinking red wine most nights—while cooking, eating, and relaxing.
Eventually, she realized the habit wasn’t doing her any good.
“In the pandemic, we all over-did things,” she said. “I spent a lot of it drinking red wine and I put on a lot of weight doing it.”
It wasn’t just about the calories—it was also about how it made her feel mentally and physically. Once she quit drinking, things started changing for the better.
Is Sue Cleaver Following Any Diet Plan?
Nope—not even close.
Sue isn’t counting calories or following any structured eating plan. She’s just not drinking, being mindful, and focusing on her well-being rather than chasing a perfect body.
“Let’s just let women be women,” she said. “We have enough struggles as it is.”
Her message is clear: you don’t need to buy into fad diets or weight loss gummies. Real change comes from real lifestyle decisions—not quick fixes.
What Does Her Husband Think About All This?
Funny enough, Sue’s husband Brian Owen has a completely different view.
He loves pub culture, while Sue calls pubs her “idea of hell.” That hasn’t changed even after her transformation. She’s happy living her quieter, alcohol-free life, even if her partner enjoys the occasional pint.
It’s a reminder that even in a relationship, it’s okay to have different lifestyles—as long as there’s respect.
What Can We Learn From Sue’s Journey?
Sue Cleaver’s story isn’t about quick wins or flashy transformations. It’s about facing the truth, listening to your body, and making lasting changes.
Here’s what stands out most:
- She quit alcohol, not food.
- She focused on health, not just weight.
- She shut down diet scams using her name.
- She spoke up about how women are judged by size.
- She’s not chasing perfection—and that’s what makes her glow.
If you’ve been thinking about making a change but feel overwhelmed by diet culture, Sue’s story is proof that you don’t need to be perfect to be proud of yourself. Just start where you are, make one small change, and see where it leads.
Because like Sue says, life’s too short to waste time on guilt, judgment, and fake solutions.
