Christina Applegate Opens Up About Overcoming Anorexia Fears and Facing Past Demons

Christina Applegate Details Past Eating Disorder After Gaining 45 Pounds

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Christina Applegate recently revealed her struggles with ongoing body image issues and past battles with anorexia. During her "MeSsy" podcast episode on Tuesday, May 14, the 52-year-old actress shared that she had never discussed her eating disorder publicly before. She expressed that opening up about this was a significant step for her, as the negative thoughts in her head were resurfacing loudly and causing fear.

Applegate shared that she has gained 45 pounds since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2021. As a result, she has made the decision to cover the mirrors in her house.

She explained, "I avoid looking in mirrors. It's something not many people are aware of. I have written reminders all over the mirrors in my bathroom to prevent myself from looking at them, as it can lead me to feeling overwhelmed and breaking down in tears."

The actress shared about her struggles with body image, mentioning that she had been on Weight Watchers since she was a teenager. During her time playing Kelly Bundy on Married … With Children, Applegate desired to have her bones more prominent and even skipped meals on set, which did not go unnoticed by others.

In a later part of the show, Applegate disclosed that she underwent liposuction in her twenties after gaining a couple of pounds.

She continued, "A tiny bit of fat on the back of my leg bothered me so much that a doctor performed surgery on me. He said I was the perfect candidate because I work out all the time but couldn't get rid of it. I was around 26 years old at the time."

Eventually, Applegate was able to change her mindset. After feeling insecure trying on size-zero jeans and noticing a sliver of skin hanging over the side, a friend intervened.

She remembered sitting on the toilet and being terrified by the sight of only bones, which was a result of her struggle with an eating disorder that lasted until her 30s.

Applegate now worries that she may be slipping back into her old habits. She felt pressured to make jokes about her weight while on stage at the 2023 Emmys because she sensed that the audience was noticing her changed appearance. (At the awards show, she quipped, "Body not by Ozempic," before presenting Ayo Edebiri with the trophy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for The Bear.)

She expressed, "The demon is saying these things to me, and it’s scaring me because I don’t want my daughter to see me not eat, and I don’t want her to see me talk about these things. I’ve been really clear about never talking about this stuff with her and trying not to put myself down."

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, you can visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at +1 (866) 662-1235. You can also text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.

Editor's P/S:

Christina Applegate's vulnerability in sharing her struggles with body image and anorexia is both inspiring and heartbreaking. Her admission that she has covered the mirrors in her house to avoid triggering negative thoughts is a testament to the insidious nature of eating disorders. Applegate's experience highlights the pervasive issue of body dissatisfaction in our society, which often leads to harmful eating behaviors.

It is concerning that Applegate fears a relapse into her old habits, particularly with the pressure she felt to make jokes about her weight at the Emmys. It is crucial for those recovering from eating disorders to have a strong support system and access to professional help. Applegate's disclosure provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges associated with eating disorders and the importance of seeking support. Her honesty and courage can empower others to confront their own struggles and seek healing.