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Tag: eating disorder

  • Abigail Breslin Speaks Out Against Selena Gomez Fat-Shamers

    No one appears to be safe from those online bullies, especially celebrities.

    But Abigail Breslin had some choice words to say to those who have been body shaming Selena Gomez – that they are “RIDICULOUS,” and so are their comments.

    The Little Miss Sunshine actress sent some positive vibes Gomez’ way and defended the former child star on her Tumblr Mixtapes & Winter Coats.

    “Everyone is always saying how we shouldn’t judge each other, so why are you commenting on a gorgeous, talented and smart young girl’s body when she’s on the beach having fun with her friends AND SHE LOOKS AMAZING,” the 19-year-old Breslin wrote.

    Gomez became the latest target of body-shamers when photos of her in a pink bikini surfaced online. The feedback about her supposedly “fuller” figure were relentless and at times, vicious.

    The former Disney star responded to the comments by posting another picture of herself in a sexy swimsuit with the caption “I love being happy with me yall #theresmoretolove.”

    A photo posted by Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) on

    Feedback about the 22-year-old Gomez and her vacation pics haven’t been all vim and vitriol though. The singer has also received a lot of positive comments about her healthy and happy image. She has also gotten a lot of support from her friends, fans and other celebrities, and now from Breslin as well.

    Breslin also raised an important point about the ridiculous comments regarding Gomez’ weight when she asked “How are young girls supposed to grow up normally and not feel bad about themselves and not develop eating disorders if it’s literally national headline news that a THIN girl may or may not have put on a few pounds?”

    Luckily, there are still people like Gomez and Breslin who are willing to stand up against those haters and become positive role models for young girls out there.

  • Demi Lovato, Wilmer Valderrama Laud Her Sobriety

    Demi Lovato and longtime love Wilmer Valderrama celebrated a very special date this weekend–the three-year anniversary of the ‘Heart Attack’ singer’s sobriety.

    Just three years ago Sunday, at the age of 19, Demi Lovato began counting the days she remained sober. Making it to the three-year mark is monumental.

    Wilmer Valderrama praised her in an Instagram post.

    “Today, we lay another stone together..It is now 3 years since you said: I am more important then any past, demon, disorder or addiction,” the former That ‘70s Show star wrote. “Where you decided that YOUR life was worth living while loving yourself.. And I’m sure glad you did… I knew then the woman you’ve become now.. I am proud and [honored] to be front row to see the world you are about to change. I love you Demi.”

    Demi Lovato replied, telling Wilmer Valderrama that she couldn’t have achieved her sobriety without his support.

    “I wish I could put into words how grateful I am for this man right here. But my love has grown to a level that words could never possibly express how much this man completes me. He’s loved me the way I never thought I deserved to be loved and with this day marking my 3rd year sober… After sharing my ups, putting up with my downs and supporting my recovery… he still never takes credit and I want the world to know how incredible his soul is. I really wouldn’t be alive today without him. I love you Wilmer,” she wrote.

    A photo posted by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

    It was only a few months ago that Demi Lovato praised Wilmer Valderrama for helping her not relapse into the throes of her eating disorder, making it quite clear that in addition to being in love, the two definitely work well together.

    Fans have long hoped that Demi Lovato and Wilmer Valderrama will one day make their relationship permanent. Demi even admitted recently that if he proposes, she will definitely say yes.

  • Demi Lovato: Hot in Bikini, No Thigh Gap Required

    Demi Lovato shared a new photo of herself looking pretty darn hot in her bikini. The ‘Heart Attack’ singer, who was recently in the hospital for a lung infection, is known for spreading self-love messages. The one she shares along with this new photo is an important one, and one she was a long time accepting. Demi Lovato suffered for quite some time from bulimia, and had a relapse of the eating disorder this past summer. Fortunately she sought treatment right away, and is in a much better place both mentally and physically now.

    Wilmer Valderrama must be an awfully proud man. Not only is he an actor with a gorgeous girlfriend, he has also witnessed the transformation Demi Lovato has made in the past few years with regard to loving herself.

    “Regardless of what society tells you these days …You don’t have to have a thigh gap to be beautiful. It is possible to love your body the way it is #fitness #health #acceptance #selflove,” she captioned her sexy bikini shot.

    A photo posted by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

    Demi Lovato made a New Year’s resolution at the start of 2015–to take even better care of her health. She urged others to join her on her journey.

    “It’s all about loving and taking care of the only body you will ever have… Cherish it, love it, embrace it.. Because when you do.. It begins to show,” she wrote on Instagram in January. “Goodbye 2014.. Who’s excited for what we can accomplish in 2015?!! Let’s do this!!!!” she captioned yet another Instagram photo at the time.

    A photo posted by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

    Demi Lovato is proof positive that women don’t need anything as ridiculous as a thigh gap (the space between one’s thighs where they don’t touch one another) to prove that they’re beautiful. Beauty comes from a place of confidence that is achieved by being your best self and loving yourself, flaws and all.

    Demi Lovato sets a fine example for women everywhere, both young and old. Don’t you think she looks healthy and beautiful in her new bikini shot?

  • Demi Lovato: Will She Marry Wilmer Valderrama?

    Demi Lovato apparently talks about marriage a lot, and she has made it no secret whatsoever that she wants to marry her longtime boyfriend Wilmer Valderrama. In fact, the ‘Heart Attack’ singer says she will definitely marry the former That 70s Show star one day, but feels no need to rush to the altar just now.

    According to a report from Hollywood Life, there has been actual talk about wedding plans.

    “They always talk about marriage, and they are definitely going to get married, but a timetable has not been determined for when that will happen,” a source tells them. “There is no pressure and it could happen in 2015, but it could easily happen in 2020. Its coming down to when they want to have kids, they want to do everything all at once.”

    Would Demi Lovato still be Demi Lovato–professionally anyway–or would she change her name to Demi Valderrama?

    “She would want to be known as Demi Valderrama but understands she has to keep the Lovato name for professional means,” the source says. “But anytime she can use his last name when they end up getting married is what she wants to do.”

    Demi has long been in love with Wilmer Valderrama, and she credits him with being her rock. Her path has been a curvy one, and Wilmer has been there when it needs some straightening. The two have even lived together for a while now.

    “It’s been difficult. I almost went back to rehab for my eating disorder last summer. I was obsessing over food and terrified of it at the same time,” Demi said during an interview with Fitness magazine a little over a month ago.

    “Wilmer noticed and called me out on it, which was a relief. I was done being afraid of food and so tired of overeating and not knowing why I did it. Now I’m on a structured meal plan. I eat four small meals and two snacks a day. It’s teaching me portion control,” Demi said.

    It sounds like Wilmer Valderrama and Demi Lovato are a good match. Wilmer has stuck with her throughout her eating disorder, as well as her battle with drugs and alcohol. He’s had good practice for when he takes those ‘for better or worse’ marriage vows.

    How exciting it will be when Demi and Wilmer finally take that long-awaited walk down the aisle. Just imagine what a gorgeous bride Demi Lovato will be.

  • Kate Hudson Talks Eating Disorders And Weight

    There have a been a lot of rumors about Kate Hudson over the years and some of the most recent claim that she is suffering from an eating disorder.

    Kate wasted no time setting the record straight and addressed the eating disorder rumors in a recent interview with Red Magazine.

    “If there is one thing I will never have, it is an eating disorder,” she said of the rumors. “I won’t have girls – even if it is just one or two who care – thinking that. Because it’s a serious sickness, not something to plaster on the cover of a magazine. And I am the opposite.”

    Kate said that she has struggled with her weight, especially after pregnancy. She even admitted that when she was pregnant with her son Ryder, she gained 70 pounds.

    She lost the weight by exercising and eating right, but said that she thinks it is important for girls and women of every size to respect and love their bodies.

    “I want to be giving girls the message that, sometimes you do gain 70 pounds having a baby, and you can lose it if you want. The whole point is I want girls to love themselves. I want them to feel good about who they are,” she said.

    Kate isn’t only laid back about her weight, she also doesn’t worry too much about her relationship with her long-time love and the father of her son Bing, Matthew Bellamy.

    The two have been together for several years but have yet to tie the knot.

    “I’m not in a rush. We are basically married. It is really about when are we going to take the time to plan a wedding,” she said.

    She went on to say that she is surprised she was willing to start a lasting relationship with a musician.

    “After [ex-husband] Chris I didn’t think I’d ever date a musician again. That world is difficult. But it is what it is, right? I like people with musicality … I find it attractive,” she admits.

  • Demi Lovato Talks Body Image and Shame

    Demi Lovato Talks Body Image and Shame

    Demi Lovato was stunning at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday. She wore a sexy red dress that revealed lots of cleavage. It wasn’t too long ago that the ‘Heart Attack’ singer wouldn’t even consider wearing such a dress. She suffered from serious body image problems.

    Wilmer Valderrama’s long time girlfriend went to rehab for a fairly lengthy stint, back in 2010, and although she did have some drug and alcohol problems, she also fought bulimia. Stemming from a body image problem, her dislike of her body reached the dangerous point. Now she is hoping that her new, healthier feelings about her body might help others struggling with a poor body image to realize there is hope.

    Demi Lovato shared some pictures of herself on Sunday’s VMAs red carpet via Instagram. She said of the them, “This picture makes me feel so many mixed emotions.. I remember the day I wore the dress in the very first picture. I remember asking for Spanx to flatten my stomach because I use to feel so heavy and ‘fat.’ Now looking at this picture, you can clearly see my hip bones.”

    “It makes me sad because I wasted so many years ashamed of my body when I could’ve been living the happy and healthy life I live today,” she continued. “It TRULY just goes to show you that your perceptions can lie to you. OR they can make you learn to enjoy life.”

    “Fortunately looking at the picture of myself in the red dress…I not only feel so grateful for the love and support I’ve had from fans, friends and family, but… I also feel.. beautiful,” she concluded. “I’m so excited to live my life the way I deserve to and to the complete fullest. Thank you guys once again.. I’m so thankful for my Lovatics. I love you… And never forget that staying strong is worth it.”

    The last of Demi Lovato’s Instagram post read, “Fortunately looking at the picture of myself in the red dress…I not only feel so grateful for the love and support I’ve had from fans, friends and family, but… I also feel.. beautiful,” she concluded. “I’m so excited to live my life the way I deserve to and to the complete fullest. Thank you guys once again.. I’m so thankful for my Lovatics. I love you… And never forget that staying strong is worth it.”

    Demi Lovato went to hell and back when suffering from her eating disorder. As anyone knows who has experienced it or stood beside someone else who has, it’s a very real medical issue. Kudos to Demi for working hard and finally seeing that all her work and therapy was worth her time and energy. She sets a fine example for others who may be battling bulimia or another type of eating disorder.

  • Portia de Rossi, Ellen DeGeneres Working Things Out

    Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres have apparently hit some snags in their marriage, but none that can’t be worked out. In fact, sources close to the couple believe they may even renew their wedding vows some time in August. It seems an argument the couple had sent Portia packing–to a rehab facility for treatment of alcohol and drug problems. The former Ally McBeal actress suffered from an eating disorder in the past as well.

    A source close to the couple says Portia de Rossi is “good at seeking help when she needs to.”

    ”They’ve worked out difficulties in the past, and no doubt they’re trying to work out any problems right now.”

    Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have bought and renovated properties since before their marriage. It seems the argument that sent her packing for rehab stemmed from her belief that she had endured most of the work involved in their most recent project alone. The couple recently resold the home for a $15 million profit as seen in the video clip above.

    ”At times Portia felt overwhelmed at all that goes into redoing a house and moving to another, no matter how lucrative it may be,” the source claims. ”She felt like she was doing everything herself and needed some downtime.”

    Friends of both Portia and Ellen have lots of confidence in their marriage, however, and believe that the couple will continue to work things out. Next month the pair will celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary and that’s when it’s expected they might renew their wedding vows. Both Ellen and Portia were excited to tie the knot when it became legal for same sex couples in California to do so.

    “They both love to celebrate special occasions and holidays, and their wedding anniversary is no different. They usually celebrate with a big party and invite a lot of friends. They really are a lovely couple. They enjoy being married, and it shows,” the source adds.

    Portia de Rossi is clearly out of rehab now. The couple was spotted furniture shopping in New York in recent days.

    Do you think Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres are in their marriage ’til death do them part? Will they work out these issues and put the pieces of their marriage solidly back together again?

    Image via YouTube

  • Human Barbie Valeria Lukyanova Accused Of Racism

    Valeria Lukyanova, better known as Human Barbie, has surprised people yet again with her comments.

    Michael Idov from GQ flew all the way to Ukraine, where Lukyanova is based, to conduct an interview. Lukyanova was consuming carrot juice with chutney, and nothing else. A few months ago, she declared that she will be converting to breatharianism, where she will not drink or eat and only thrive on sunlight and air. That decision surprised many, but the 28-year-old Barbie dropped another bombshell much to the surprise of Idov.

    In the interview, Lukyanova said that the popularity of plastic surgeries nowadays can be blamed on “race-mixing.” “Ethnicities are mixing now, so there’s degeneration,” she said. Lukyanova also said that there were more beautiful women in the 1950’s to the 1960’s who did not go under plastic surgery. “And now, thanks to degeneration, we have this.”

    Lukyanova has admitted to having her breasts enhanced. She also uses contact lenses and makeup in order to achieve her Barbie-like facial features. However, she insists that her tiny waist is all natural and the result of her diet and exercise regimen.

    Idov was so surprised at Lukyanova’s comments and even called her a “racist space alien.”

    The interview also tackled the subject of having a family. Lukyanova is against having kids, as she said in other interviews. “The very idea of having children brings out this deep revulsion in me,” said the Human Barbie.

    Lukyanova continued to say that she would rather die from torture rather than have a family, as that lifestyle is the worst.

    This is not the first time the Human Barbie has said things that may be shocking to some. She has also mentioned that she is able to communicate with aliens non-verbally, and that humans are the least sophisticated civilization. “We’re on the lowest level of evolution.”

    Valeria Lukyanova: Human Barbie

    Image via YouTube

  • Dr. Drew’s Daughter Admits To Battle With Eating Disorder

    Paulina Pinsky, 21, has admitted her battle with bulimia and anorexia. Paulina is the daughter of Celebrity Rehab host, Dr. Drew, who specializes in addictions. The news broke out just in time for National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.

    The revelation was done in an essay posted on the Columbia Daily Spectator website wherein Paulina wrote about her 7-year struggle with eating disorders. She said that she felt pressured by many people around her – even by her own mother – to be a perfect girl. Indeed, Paulina seemed to be the perfect girl from the outside. She was a competitive ice skater, a cheerleader, and got good grades in school. Inside, however, she was suffering from the pressure of being perfect.

    Paulina also said that she told her mother that she has been throwing up since seventh grade. After a long silence, her mother finally responded with “Well, get your teeth checked.”

    It came to a point when Paulina would throw up eight times in a day just to handle the stress of living at home during spring break. She said that her mother’s perfectionism was one of the causes of her low self-esteem and purging. It was then that she got scared and finally took action to recover.

    Paulina is currently in her junior year at Barnard College. Just this month, she hosted the Body Positivity Week in school, which consisted of different activities, such as photo shoots, yoga sessions, and talks about eating disorders. She is a year and a half into recovery from her eating disorders and has been learning how to have a functional relationship with her mother.

    According to Dr. Drew’s statement, he is proud of his daughter for having the courage to recognize that she needed help with her condition. He also recognized and praised his daughter’s actions to help others and empower women who are suffering from eating disorders.

    Paulina Pinsky talks about her struggle

    Image via Facebook

  • Ke$ha’s Eating Disorder Almost Killed Her

    Ke$ha’s Eating Disorder Almost Killed Her

    Earlier this month, pop superstar Ke$ha checked herself into a rehab facility to get treatment for her eating disorder. Aside from that, we didn’t get much information on the subject…until now.

    During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Ke$ha’s mom Pebe Sebert opened up about her daughter’s extreme weight loss methods, and how they almost killed her.

    “I’ve watched my beautiful, self-confident, brilliant daughter be berated and ridiculed for her looks and weight to the point that she almost died,” Sebert says. “The doctors told me her blood pressure and sodium levels were so low, they’d never seen it that low except with someone who’d had a heart attack or stroke. They said it was a miracle she hadn’t already dropped dead on stage.”

    Ke$ha, who is now 26-years-old, has apparently been battling her body issues since she was in middle school, but Sebert said they got increasingly worse when she signed with producer Dr. Luke and her former manager David Sonenberg. “One time on a conference call, Sonenberg was screaming, ‘You need to lose weight! I don’t care what you do … take drugs, not eat, stick your finger down your throat!’ ” Sebert recalls. “Ke$ha was just weeping. She drove around afterward thinking about killing herself.”

    Sonenberg wasn’t the only one criticizing Ke$ha for her weight. “He [Dr. Luke] has just always been very disrespectful about her weight. He’d say it in certain ways, like ‘Why don’t you try running?’ She was doing everything and not getting thin fast enough, and that’s when she first became bulimic.” Obviously, Sonenberg and Dr. Luke both denied the allegations.

    Dr. Luke even had his rep release a statement on his behalf. “These statements and allegations concerning Dr. Luke are completely false,” the statement reads. “It is unfortunate that at a time Ke$ha is suffering immensely and trying to heal at a treatment center, her mother is taking this approach with the media. I give Ke$ha my utmost support and well wishes for a quick return to health.”

    Upon entering the rehab facility, Ke$ha released a statement of her own. “I’m a crusader for being yourself and loving yourself but I’ve found it hard to practice,” she wrote. “I’ll be unavailable for the next 30 days, seeking treatment for my eating disorder … to learn to love myself again. Exactly as I am.”

    Image via Twitter

  • Ke$ha’s Mom Speaks Out About Eating Disorder

    Ke$ha recently entered rehab for an eating disorder that many people believe was caused by her producer Dr. Luke, who allegedy bullied Kesha for her weight and constantly made her feel that she needed to lose more.

    Ke$ha’s mom recently spoke out about her daughter’s eating disorder and said that before she decided to get help, Ke$ha had let her anorexia and bulimia get so bad that it almost killed her. Her mother explained how hard it was to watch her daughter battle her eating disorder and said,

    “I’ve watched my beautiful, self-confident, brilliant daughter be berated and ridiculed for her looks and weight to the point that she almost died.”

    She added, “The doctors told me her blood pressure and sodium levels were so low, they’d never seen it that low except with someone who’d had a heart attack or stroke. They said it was a miracle she hadn’t already dropped dead on stage.”

    Ke$ha appeared to be a strong young woman, but her mother claims that her insecurity and eating disorder began in high school and got worse after she became famous.

    Her mother said that she is not sure what Ke$ha will do when she leaves rehab, but knows that she is currently only worried about getting healthy.

    Eating disorders are common in many young woman and several celebrities have completed stints in rehab for similar problems. Demi Lovato and Amanda Bynes were both recently treated and have since been released from the facilities.

    Ke$ha should be released from the facility sometime early next month, unless she decides to stay longer.

    Do you think Ke$ha will get the help she needs in rehab?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons.

  • Ke$ha’s Mother Blames Advisors for Rehab

    Ke$ha’s Mother Blames Advisors for Rehab

    On January 3, pop’s badgal Ke$sha entered rehab for an apparent eating disorder. The singer made the decision to admit herself. After releasing her self-directed video, “Dirty Love” on New Years day, she booked herself into a center located in Chicago.

    But according to the star’s mother, Ke$sha’s eating disorder is a direct result of her advisors. She claimed even her producer is to blame for the rehab visit.

    “Dr. Luke had been telling her how she had to get in shape and lose weight and all this stuff. She was exercising and dieting and ultimately doing everything she could, but not getting thin fast enough,” said Pebe Sebert, Ke$sha’s mother. “And that’s when she first became bulimic.”

    Sebert went on to explain her daughter’s breaking point.

    “Right before Christmas she had a breakdown, and called me from the gas station after she’d thrown up everything, and admitted how much she’d been doing it.”

    Dr. Luke didn’t directly respond to the extreme allegations but his rep did in a statement to PEOPLE.

    “These statements and allegations concerning Dr. Luke are completely false,” the statement reads.

    “It is unfortunate that at a time Ke$ha is suffering immensely and trying to heal at a treatment center, her mother is taking this approach with the media. I give Ke$ha my utmost support and well wishes for a quick return to health.”

    Ke$sha’s next tour stop is in Dubai on Feb. 1.

    Image Via YouTube

  • Kesha Enters Rehab For Eating Disorder- Producer To Blame?

    Pop star Kesha lives a fast paced life but doesn’t seem like the type of girl to let anything slow her down. Kesha’s inner demons have gotten the best of her and the singer recently entered a rehab facility to deal with an eating disorder.

    Many young stars find themselves addicted to alcohol, drugs or fighting eating disorders. In fact, the facility that Kesha recently entered is the same one that Demi Lovato stayed in while dealing with an eating disorder of her own.

    Kesha informed fans of her decision to enter rehab via Facebook on Friday. Her fans seemed supportive and by the time the weekend was over, the post had almost 50,000 likes.

    So what would make someone as fierce and confident as Kesha have an eating disorder?

    Post by Kesha.

    According to her fans, friends and family members, it was her producer Dr. Luke. Many producers have strict standards for their clients, but Dr. Luke has been rumored to have bashed Kesha for her weight on several occasions, even referring to her as a refrigerator at one point.

    Over the last few months, Kesha has slimmed down, which is likely when the eating disorder began. Kesha has shown many times how strong she can be and there is no doubt she will be able to overcome her eating disorder in the next 30 days and come back better than ever.

    What do you think of Kesha’s eating disorder and decision to enter rehab?

    Image via Facebook.

  • Ke$ha Blames Music Producer for Eating Disorder

    Ke$ha declared in a New Year’s Day tweet that “truth and freedom” will be the benchmarks of 2014 for the 26-year-old pop star.

    “Cheers to this year being the best year ever,” she tweeted on New Year’s Day. ” 2014 gon be the year of truth and freedom.”

    A few days later, she checked into Timberline Knolls near Chicago ,a 30-day treatment facility for an eating disorder.

    TMZ reports that Ke$ha is telling friends her eating disorder was caused remarks by her music producer, Dr. Luke, made about her weight.

    Apparently, her eating disorder started when the singer’s “Get Sleazy” tour ended in 2011. She said that Luke, who is also producer to Miley Cyrus and Rihanna, started commenting on the extra pounds she had gained in her downtime.

    According to TMZ, Ke$ha said that during a music video shoot in 2012 Luke told her she “looks like a f***ing refrigerator”, and those remarks profoundly affected her body image.

    Image via Youtube

  • Ke$ha Enters Rehab For Eating Disorder

    Ke$ha Enters Rehab For Eating Disorder

    A few days ago, Ke$ha released a video for the “Dirty Love” track, from her 2012 Warrior album.”Dirty Love” marks her directorial debut. In the video, Ke$ha strips down to her underwear and dances around an abandoned building, dancing mainly on a stage similar to those found in strip clubs. At one point in the video, she’s seen wearing a skin-tight flesh colored top with short-shorts. Ke$ha leaves little to the imagination with her outfits in this risque video.

    She shows off more skin and her skinny frame in her video collaboration with Pitbull, for his track “Timber.” In”Timber,” she dances around once again in her underwear and bra.

    Ke$ha’s body is hard to ignore in both of these videos.

    Now through an official statement to TMZ, Ke$ha has announced that she’s checking into a rehabilitation facility. Usually when a celebrity announces they’re going to rehab it’s for substance abuse. This is not the case with Ke$ha. However, she’s entering it for something equally as serious. Ke$ha entered rehab yesterday morning for an eating disorder. She will remain there for at least 30 days.

    The vegetarian singer told TMZ about her decision by saying, “I’m a crusader for being yourself and loving yourself, but I’ve found it hard to practice. I’ll be unavailable for the next 30 days,seeking treatment for my eating disorder… to learn to love myself again, exactly as I am.”

    Ke$ha will be treated at the Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center in Lemont, IL. This is the same treatment facility where Demi Lovato went to for her health problems. The treatment center is about 40 minutes away from Chicago, IL.

    MTV just finished airing the second season of Ke$ha’s series My Crazy Beautiful Life. There is no word yet on whether MTV plans to renew the series for a 3rd season, and how Ke$ha’s eating disorder might play into the reality show’s production.

    Hopefully the Timberline Knolls rehabilitation center can help Ke$ha make a speedy and long-term recovery from her eating disorder. We wish Ke$ha luck on her battle with this serious disorder.

    Image Via Twitter

  • Demi Lovato Opens Up About Drug Addiction

    Demi Lovato Opens Up About Drug Addiction

    Demi Lovato has clearly been through the wringer, publicly dealing with physical and emotional issues. The X Factor judge has suffered from bulimia, self-inflicted injuries and drug abuse. In an interview with Access Hollywood, the 21-year-old opens up about her dark past and how her own mother’s past shed light on their relationship.

    Lovato carefully spoke about her drug addiction and how she struggled with not being about to go 30 minutes without cocaine.

    “Something I’ve never talked about before, but with my drug use I could hide it to where I would sneak drugs. I couldn’t go without 30 minutes to an hour without cocaine and I would bring it on airplanes,” she said.

    “I would smuggle it basically and just wait until everyone in first class would go to sleep and I would do it right there. I’d sneak to the bathroom and I’d do it. That’s how difficult it got and that was even with somebody [with me], I had a sober companion, somebody who was watching me 24/7 and living with me [and] I was able to hide it from them as well,” Lovato went on to say.

    Watch the Demi Lovato interview with Access Hollywood here.

    She continues to talk about her trip back to L.A. to the sober living house and her struggle to stay sober.

    “My last drink was probably my lowest point,” she said. “I was going to the airport and I had a Sprite bottle, just filled with vodka and it was 9 in the morning.”

    “I had all the help in the world, but I didn’t want it,” said Lovato.

    But it turns out Demi wasn’t the only one in her family struggling with demons. Her mother, who joined Demi for the interview, had also struggled with an eating disorder.

    “I also had to get help. Once I did, we became closer as mother and daughter but we also became well as a family.”said mother, Diana Lovato.

    Beaming, Lovato said, “I’m so proud of her. I love her so much.”

    You can order Lovato’s book, Staying Strong Strong: 365 Days a Year on Amazon.

    Photo Credit: YouTube

  • Demi Lovato’s Second Book in the Making

    Superstar Demi Lovato has remained in the spotlight for a long period of time, since her days on the Disney Channel. Though her career has skyrocketed, she has also endured many personal struggles along the way. Her book of affirmations, titled Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year, was her first book released on November 19, 2013 as part of a two-book deal with Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of the publishing company, Macmillan. As described by Macmillan, the book is “a powerful 365-day collection of Demi’s most honest, brave, and hopeful insights,” featuring “her own words, with quotes that inspire her, as well as personal reflections and goals.”

    It reached to the No. 38 spot on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list and was transpired from Lovato’s inspirational tweets, in which she sends to over twenty million followers. The book’s affirmations are explained by Lovato, along with a goal for the day. Inspirational phrases include:
    – “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.”
    – “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
    – “Every life has a purpose. Share your story and you may help someone find their own.”

    Staying Strong “kind of reads my mind a little bit. Each relates to the day, and just reminds me to be thankful for what I have,” Lovato commented. Back in 2010, she sought treatment in a rehabilitation facility for an eating disorder and has continued to speak out about her personal struggles with addiction and self-harm. In her recent book, she discussed those issues. “Self-harm, eating disorders, addiction, and mood disorders are things that people aren’t always open about. But it’s so important that someone starts talking about these issues so that those who are struggling know that there is help out there.” Lovato has also been involved with anti-bullying charities and currently is a judge on the X-Factor and an actress on Glee.

    Yet, Lovato plans on going into great detail about her addiction in her forthcoming memoir. Lovato stated, “I’m nervous to share my story. But the last time I did, people were really respectful and nobody judged me. Sometimes I have to ask myself, ‘How honest do I really want to be with this book.’ But I think I’m going to do it. I think I’m going to go for it.”. She will truly and deeply express her battles with substance abuse, and how she overcame and continues to overcome those struggles, “like a skyscraper.”

    From her home in Los Angeles, Lovato said, “To me, staying strong is really important. A lot of people have faith, have hope, but now what? How do you continue to be strong? It’s about doing things daily and taking care of yourself, and I wanted to show my fans what helped me.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Eating Disorder Risk, Brain Size Linked in New Study

    Earlier this week, a new study revealed evidence that certain eating disorders and alcoholism could share a genetic link. Now, another new study is showing that anorexia may be more prevalent in people with larger brains.

    The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, specifically found that the insula and orbitofrontal cortex in anorexic girls are larger that girls without the eating disorder. The insula is a portion of the brain involved in taste, and the orbitofrontal cortex is involved in the body’s fullness response after eating.

    “While eating disorders are often triggered by the environment, there are most likely biological mechanisms that have to come together for an individual to develop an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa,” said Dr. Guido Frank, lead author of the study and a psychiatry professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

    The study looked at a small group of adolescent girls. Some had been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, and some had not. Those diagnosed with anorexia were found to have larger left orbiofrontal, right insular, and bilateral temporal cortex grey matter. For those same girls, orbitofrontal gray matter volume correlated with an aversion to “sweet tastes.”

    Guido and his colleagues believe their findings reveal how people diagnosed with anorexia are able to go without food. The researchers also suggest certain larger portions of the brain could predispose people to develop anorexia. The study’s findings corroborate those found in a study published earlier this year that found a link between brain size and anorexia in adults.

    (Image courtesy Thinkstock)

  • Alcoholism, Eating Disorders Genetically Linked, Shows Study

    Alcoholism and eating disorders have both been found to have a genetic component for those at risk. Now, a new study has shown that these diseases may actually be linked to each other genetically.

    The study, published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, shows that alcoholics are “more genetically susceptible” to some eating disorders, and that the opposite is true as well. Researchers at Washington University looked at around 6,000 twins, using statistics to chart out the odds for gene traits. The traits for identical and fraternal twins were then compared. The study found that alcoholism and behavior such as binging and purging were genetically related.

    “By comparing the findings in identical and fraternal twins, we can develop estimates of how much of the difference in particular traits is due to genes or environment,” said Melissa Munn-Chernoff, lead author of the study and a researcher at Washington University. “We found that some of the genes that influence alcohol dependence also influence binge eating in men and women.”

    The study surveyed the twins about their alcohol use and eating practices. It found that 25% of the men and 6% of the women had been or were alcohol dependent. 11% of the men and 13% of the women had practiced binge eating, while 14% of the women had also practiced purging. Though a statistically significant link between alcohol dependence and disordered eating behaviors was found for both genders, women were found to have a higher correlation.

    “Those numbers suggest that there are shared genetic risk factors for these behaviors, such as purging and fasting,” said Munn-Chernoff. “It appears that some genes that influence alcohol dependence also influence binge eating in men and women, and compensatory behaviors in women.”

  • Amy Winehouse: Did Bulimia Cause Her Death?

    Amy Winehouse was mourned by many when she passed away nearly two years ago; the young singer had famously battled drugs and alcohol, and though it wasn’t exactly a secret, fans and family grieved the loss of such a bright talent.

    Now, however, her brother Alex says that substance abuse was just one issue his sister dealt with. Since the age of 17, he says, she also suffered from bulimia after discovering it with her friends.

    “They’d put loads of rich sauces on their food, scarf it down and throw it up,” Alex recently told the Observer. “They stopped doing it, but Amy never really did…We all knew she was doing it, but it’s almost impossible [to tackle] especially if you’re not talking about it. It’s a real dark, dark issue. She suffered from bulimia very badly. That’s not, like, a revelation—you knew just by looking at her…She would have died eventually, the way she was going, but what really killed her was the bulimia…Absolutely terrible. I think that it left her weaker and more susceptible. Had she not had an eating disorder, she would have been physically stronger.”

    Winehouse was scrutinized by the media for her appearance and was once snapped by the paparazzi eating plain lettuce out of a bag while out with her mother, which led to rumors of an eating disorder. Bulimia is an extremely damaging disorder that can lead to problems with the stomach lining and esophagus over time; without proper nutrition, the body is ravaged.

    Winehouse’s official cause of death was listed as alcohol poisoning, but many theories have been made as to the actual reason.