Fearne Cotton has bravely opened up about her 10-year bulimia battle, confessing that it was self-loathing that initially triggered her eating disorder.
The much-loved TV and radio presenter, 41, suffered with negative body image from a young age after she convinced herself that she was 'bigger' than everyone else around her.
The mum-of-two struggled with bulimia for a decade during her twenties before she ultimately managing to overcome the debilitating eating disorder.
After Fearne tied the knot with musician Jesse Wood in 2014, and after the birth of her first child later that year, she sought help and was able to move on from her ten-year battle with bulimia.
Discussing her battle with the condition this week, Fearne admitted she was urged to shed light on eating disorders amid headlines about the trend of 'Heroin Chic' making a comeback.
As social media users see celebrities such as Kim and Khloe Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Dua Lipa ditching their curves and showing off slimmer frames instead, rumours are swirling that the 90's aesthetic of being 'as thin as possible' is making a return as a trend.
Sharing her thoughts on the harmful trend, Fearne took to Instagram to write: "Sometimes I think tons of differing voices weighing in on a subject is too noisy but having had a lot of body image issues over the years I feel compelled if only to continue some healthy debate.
"I was bulimic for ten years which was partly an issue of self loathing and partly a control mechanism. I still feel a discomfort in mentioning it, only spurred on by the knowledge that so many are dealing with it now and might feel like they'll never break the cycle.
"My message being...if I can, you can. It is absolutely possible. Go gentle on yourself and know that you can heal."
Although Fearne was at the top of her game career-wise during her twenties, behind closed doors, she was battling with her eating disorder - unbeknownst to the world.
Fearne admitted that she was crippled by low self-worth and as an escape, Fearne used used food to cope.
"I mention this because some of my self loathing came from feeling physically 'wrong'. Too broad, too square, too squidgy in areas due to the images that were ubiquitous when I was growing up," she explained.
"I was unknowingly applying all I was imbibing to my own self worth. I can still be triggered in this way today but have done a lot of healing to feel more robust. The female body has long been discussed and obsessed over and what we must remember is to never shame any physical body.
"There will be naturally very slim women out there who do not want the abuse or assumption around their bodies too. There are women in the disability community who do not want to explain themselves or be pitied.
"There are women out there who feel shame and hatred for their physical bodies who need support and love. All bodies are bloody miraculous and beautiful."
*For help and support on eating disorders contact Beat Eating Disorders on 0808 801 0677.
