Martin Lewis, the UK’s well-known money-saving expert, has publicly spoken about two main health challenges — a painful throat ulcer and ongoing mental health struggles under the pressure of being a trusted public figure. He also dramatically lost his voice during a live TV show, reflecting the physical toll of his work. Beyond his personal experience, Lewis uses his platform and his charity to advocate for the financial and mental health link, and in 2025 his organization gained “super-complainant” status.
Who Is Martin Lewis?
Martin Lewis is a British financial journalist, broadcaster, and consumer advocate. He founded MoneySavingExpert.com, which has become one of the UK’s largest consumer finance websites. He also hosts The Martin Lewis Money Show on ITV and frequently appears on radio and TV to provide advice about savings, debt, and personal finance. Beyond his media role, he founded the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which works at the intersection of finance and mental health.
What Illnesses Has Martin Lewis Experienced?
Throat Ulcer
In 2019, Martin Lewis revealed that he had been diagnosed with a large, aggressive ulcer in his throat, which was not a typical cold or flu. He described the condition as “vicious” and said that eating and speaking became “truly agonising.” The ulcer caused spasms in the left side of his face and neck, sometimes leaving him in tears.
There was no direct cure for the ulcer, but he used local anaesthetic spray to manage the pain. He also admitted that resting between filming and his TV commitments became more challenging due to the pain.
Mental Health Struggles
Martin Lewis has been open about his mental health. He has described having “dark days” and said that being regarded as a rock-solid, trustworthy figure carries a heavy burden. In interviews, he has noted that although people consider him “incredibly robust,” he actually feels “quite brittle” under the pressure.
He also explained that his “professional paranoia” — a constant need to get financial advice exactly right — contributes significantly to his stress. To manage, he relies on walking, breathing exercises, taking breaks, and exercising.
His mental health advocacy is not just personal — through his charity, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, he works to address how financial systems worsen mental health issues for many people.
Voice Loss on Live TV
In a March 2025 episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, Lewis struggled with a cough on air, eventually announcing that his voice was gone and dramatically collapsing to the floor, signaling how physically taxing his job can be.
Why These Illnesses Matter: Deeper Implications
The Physical Toll of Public Life
As a high-profile broadcaster and public advocate, Lewis’ throat ulcer highlights how intensely demanding his role can be. The ulcer made not only speaking but even basic daily tasks difficult, showing that chronic pain can be a hidden burden for media personalities.
Mental Health Struggles Among Trusted Public Figures
Lewis’ mental health disclosures challenge the stereotype that people who are perceived as strong and authoritative do not experience emotional vulnerability. His struggles underline how being “the expert” doesn’t shield someone from anxiety, burnout, or self-doubt.
Advocacy Through Experience
His personal health journey deeply informs his public work. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which he founded, uses research, policy advocacy, and direct complaint powers to address systemic issues at the intersection of money and mental health. In 2025, the charity was granted super-complainant status, enabling it to push formal complaints to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on behalf of consumers.
Recent Trends & Developments (as of 2025)
Super-complainant Status for His Charity
In February 2025, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute was granted super-complainant status by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade. This designation gives the charity greater power to challenge consumer harms through formal complaints to regulators like the CMA.
This is significant because it allows the organization to escalate issues directly, such as unfair practices by financial firms targeting people with mental health conditions.
Ongoing Public Conversations About Mental Health
In 2025, Lewis continues to speak publicly about financial stress and mental health, especially in light of the cost-of-living crisis in the UK. He emphasizes how money problems and mental health issues often feed each other, and he calls for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable consumers.
Media Visibility of His Health Challenges
Lewis’ public loss of voice on a live show renewed attention on the demands of his work and the realities of performing under physical strain. Fans and viewers expressed concern and support, prompting further discussion around public figures and their wellness.
Practical Tips for Those Who Relate to Martin Lewis’ Struggles
If you find Martin Lewis’ health journey resonates with you — whether because you struggle with physical pain, mental health, or the pressure of high-responsibility work — here are some practical takeaways:
1. Speak Up About Chronic Pain
Don’t ignore persistent pain or ulcers. Seek medical advice and accept treatment options, even if they’re just for symptom management (like anaesthetic sprays). Chronic pain can worsen mental health, so getting help is critical.
2. Prioritize Mental Health Routines
Take breaks, practise breathing exercises, get regular exercise, and build moments of rest into your day. If work is emotionally demanding, consider professional mental health support — therapy or counselling isn’t a weakness.
3. Advocate for Better Systems
Use your voice (as Lewis does) to call out systemic issues that connect finance and mental health. Whether it’s through charities, local groups, or policy advocacy, supporting broader change can help not just you but many others.
4. Set Boundaries in High-Pressure Roles
If you’re in a role where speaking, presenting, or high-stakes communication is essential, make sure you protect your health. That could mean limiting live appearances, asking for pre-records, or scheduling rest periods.
5. Use Trusted Resources
Turn to verified, reputable sources for advice — whether financial or mental health. Lewis’ own platform, MoneySavingExpert.com, is a resource, but also seek help from licensed professionals, especially for health issues.
Real-Life Examples: How Martin Lewis’ Health Journey Has Been Illustrative
When Lewis canceled live TV appearances in 2019 because of his throat ulcer, it raised awareness that even well-known, seemingly invincible public figures face health vulnerabilities.
His emotional honesty about dark mental health days humanizes the financial advice expert role, showing that financial advice is deeply linked with people’s mental well-being.
By leveraging his personal experience, Lewis strengthened his charity’s credibility. The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute’s super-complainant status in 2025 is a direct outcome of his commitment to bridging finance and mental health.
FAQs
What was the throat ulcer Martin Lewis had?
He revealed in 2019 that he was diagnosed with a large, painful ulcer in his throat. It was not caused by a typical infection but led to severe discomfort when eating or speaking.
Is Martin Lewis still dealing with the throat ulcer?
There is no recent public report of a flare-up or ongoing diagnosis beyond the initial story. He used local anaesthetic sprays to manage pain during TV appearances at that time.
Has Martin Lewis ever spoken about his mental health?
Yes. He has openly said he has “dark days” and feels the pressure of being a trusted financial expert. He calls himself “brittle” emotionally and notes that his role can be mentally exhausting.
What connection does Martin Lewis draw between money and mental health?
Through his Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, Lewis advocates for better consumer protections and regulation, arguing that financial stress can worsen mental health and vice versa.
What was the incident when Martin Lewis lost his voice on TV?
In March 2025, during a live episode of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, he began coughing and eventually lost his voice, dramatically saying, “That’s it from me! My voice has gone.”
In Summary
Martin Lewis is known to millions for his sharp financial advice and tireless consumer advocacy. But behind the public persona, he has dealt with real health challenges — a painful throat ulcer and mental health strain. His willingness to speak openly about these issues gives him even greater credibility, as he transforms personal struggle into meaningful action through his charity work. In 2025, the recognition of his foundation as a super-complainant reflects his impact beyond just money-saving tips — he’s pushing for systemic improvements that protect people vulnerable to financial and mental stress. His journey reminds us that even those who advise us financially are human, and that personal health and public service can go hand in hand.
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