Anorexia and bulimia are the two most common eating disorders. Since body image and self-esteem play a large role in eating disorders, it should come as no surprise that many celebrities have struggled with and overcome them. You aren’t alone in your struggle against an eating disorder. Here are a few of your favorite celebrities who have overcome their eating disorders, and so can you!
Known for her role as Veronica on CW’s Riverdale, Camila has been very vocal about her struggles with bulimia. Her eating disorder began in high school, continued through college, and effected her early years in Hollywood. She would try desperately to avoid carbs and sweets only to binge on them after going without.
Camila worked with a psychologist and nutritionist to help her establish a healthy relationship with food. Her hard work has paid off as she enjoys a healthy diet while enjoying carbs and sweets.
In her documentary on Netflix, Miss Americana, Taylor was brutally honest about her relationship with food, and how she tied it to the way she felt about herself. She discussed being so hungry after performances that she’d feel weak and on the verge of passing out.
When she felt she was doing well, and accomplishing the goals others expected of her, she’d reward herself with food. On the other side, she deprived herself of food when she felt she was disappointing people. Now, Taylor is focusing on her health and establishing positive eating habits.
Whitney discussed her anorexic tendencies in her memoirs, I’m Fine…And Other Lies. The comedian remembers watching her stepmom and mother constantly dieting when she was a child. As a result, from the age of 14 to 18, her diet consisted mainly of non-fat yogurt, rice cakes, and apples. She became afraid of getting fat and became too thin, losing hair and presenting other signs of anorexia. She credits her friends with helping her turn the corner and developing a healthy eating regime.
As one of the stars of Pretty Little Liars, Troian was one of the last people you’d expect of having an eating disorder. Troian began her battle with anorexia at a young. She said it was similar to portraying an outward self where everything is okay while her inner self was slowly dying. Troian has been vocal about her struggles with the disease through the years and given many interviews on the subject. She plans to star in a movie, Feed, that shows a realistic view of the battle to overcome anorexia. The star believes that the disease is always with her, and she must always work to have a healthy relationship with food.
This singer faced her anorexia in the public spotlight as a young lady, only 18 years old. She remembers growing up with a mom who struggled with anorexia and the stress placed on her body image by starting as a contestant in beauty parents at a young age. At 18, she entered a treatment center with the whole world watching. Today, she works hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle and plans to ensure her children also enjoy a positive relationship with food.
Once a member of the boy band, One Direction, Zyan wrote honestly about his eating disorders in his biography, Zyan. During his busy tours, he started skipping meals here and there. This slowly turned into days when he wouldn’t eat at all. After leaving the band, he’s worked on healthier eating habits and regular meals.
At Fairwinds Treatment Center, we partner with you to help you overcome your eating disorders in the present and the future. It’s nice to know that even celebrities, “the beautiful people”, struggle with body image and self-esteem issues and need a helping hand. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, you are not alone. Others have overcome their eating disorders and are thriving, both male and female.
