Taylor Swift Reveals about her Secret Battle with Anorexia

In a recent interview, the top singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift opened up about dealing with disordered eating in the past. She further explained in her Netflix documentary, Miss Americana. As her experience made to headlines, she gave a powerful message to the world.

 In the power to erode the stigma around eating disorders, Swift spoke about not only eating disorders but also about body shaming and self- image. 

Swift went on discussing negative body image issues and how comments on her body-both positive and negative contributed to eating disorder. Swift admitted how she used to get constant comments about her body — both criticism and compliments — led her to view food in relation to her body size rather than for fuel for body or health, which caused her eating disorder. She told that you just start to accommodate everything towards reward and punishment, including your own body.

A celebrity like Swift talking about eating disorders and her struggle with the same shows her support to stay healthy and her empowering words circulated amongst her fans which left an empowering message to stay strong and appreciate your body.

According to the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA), about 30 million Americans experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Due to prevailing stigma and stereotypes about who is affected by eating disorders prevents many people from opening about it and getting the help they need.

What is an eating disorder?

Eating disorders are illnesses characterized by unhealthy behaviors associated with food or eating, such as starving, overeating, or binging.

About anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder is a condition characterized by an abnormal fear of gaining weight, driving people to starve themselves and become dangerously thin. It is more common in teens, especially females but does occur in males as well. Sometimes a life change or traumatic event may be associated with the development of the illness, or at times even a desire to excel in sports. 

How to seek help?

If you think you or someone you know might have an eating disorder, it’s important to reach out for help. If you’re not sure whether you need help or not, the National Eating Disorder Association has an online screening tool that can help you get clarity around if you should seek professional help. Seeking help is important and so you can also contact their helpline if you need to talk to someone.

Treatment for an eating disorder usually involves various approaches like nutritional and psychological counseling. Treatment options help address the physical and medical symptoms, as well as the other personal factors that could be contributing to it.

Footnote

Based on Taylor Swift’s life and chronicled by her on and off-stage experiences, the Netflix documentary was released on January 31st, 2020. Eating disorders may affect people of all sizes, races, and genders.

Experts praise Swift and hope that her story will help others feel like seeking the right and timely help they need with a medical professional.