Eating Disorders and Celebrities

People who are in the public eye and are famous are continuously being scrutinized by the media. This type of news sells because they have many followers who are interested in them, in their lives, their do's and don'ts. They are in short, role models for many. And as such they can influence others - both positively and negatively.

Those who follow celebrity news tend to forget that anyone with a claim to fame is just another person. Probably a greater ego, but the same as anyone else. (It does get complicated when the celebrity loses sight of the fact that he or she is just like the rest of us mere mortals).

They will have good points and bad points. They will have illnesses, they will get sick, they will recover or not, as all human beings. They have loads of talent, but so do many others not in the limelight.

Eating disorders are also occurring within the ranks of the famous and rich. When this happens, and it does, the social and especially the media pressure can be much greater. Nobody wants to present their "bad" side to others - basic self esteem. For those who are followed by the media this can and often is unbearable pressure.

If you think about it, at one time or another, everybody who suffers from an eating disorder feels a certain amount of shame and wants to hide their problem. Celebrities will logically do so and at a greater degree.

Another reaction that happens to people with an eating disorder - whether anorexia, bulimia or binge eating - is denial. Denying there is a problem and many times actually promoting the particular conduct that reflects this illness.

Celebrities will be pushed to do this even more. Low self esteem, insecurity and the need to be seen as someone out of the ordinary, are in themselves things that can trigger an eating disorder.

Celebrities Can and Often Do Provide A Positive Influence

As role models famous people can influence many people. When a famous sports personality signs with a commercial house - whether foot ware, clothes, antiperspirants or whatever - they obviously get paid. Payment is based on the attractor factor (how famous) and influence which is recognized by advertisers and so they are willing to pay for it.

In the same sense if a very slim (and I am sure you have all seen photos) anorexic celebrity is photographed, a message is received by thousands of people and typically there will be an "I want to look like her" reaction.

The same happens, but in a positive way, when a celebrity admits publicly they suffer or have suffered in the past, with an eating disorder. And the positive influence can be much greater as we recognize and admire people who don't give up; people who are fighters and especially if it is for a worthy cause.

Many famous people who have publicly admitted an eating disorder don't just stay there but actively do something about it and try to help others.

Some examples of famous people who battled with an eating disorder and then began helping others are:

* Paula Abdul.
* Dancer and Singer
* Illness: bulimia.
* Action: Spokesperson for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

* Maria Conchita Alonso.
* Actress
* Illness: bulimia.
* Action: Shares her story with audiences across the country

* Sisters Sia and Shane Barbi. Barbi Twins- Models and Pin Ups
* Illness: anorexia and bulimia
* Action: Have written a book and tour schools raising awareness of eating disorders.

Many, many more have become open about their illnesses and this positive influence is helping people learn to accept, overcome denial and cope with their eating disorder.

On both counts: publicly admitting their own battles and taking action, the positive influence is enormous.

Public Admission: It gives people courage to accept their own battles.

Taking Action: Provides support for the day to day battles.

Need to know how about eating disorders? Information and facts about anorexia, bulimia and binge eating at http://eating-disorders-facts.com

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