Kesha's Inspiring Journey: Overcoming an Eating Disorder

Kesha Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock

Kesha revealed the positive transformation she has experienced in her healing journey after seeking help for her eating disorder. The singer, who is now 36 years old, shared that her first step towards recovery was entering a rehab facility in 2014 for an intensive inpatient program specifically designed to address her bulimia. In an interview with Self magazine published on June 20, Kesha reflected on the overwhelming anxiety she faced, which led her to realize that her eating disorder was taking over her life. She described how her thoughts were consumed by her appearance, food, and the opinions of others, causing her to lose her ability to function properly.

After undergoing therapy and adopting new daily habits, Kesha revealed that she has overcome her previous anxieties. She expressed that she no longer worries about the issues that used to consume her.

"Ten years ago, I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me this, but now I can confidently say that I have found freedom from that obsession," she shared. "It was not an easy journey, but the realization that I no longer obsess over counting calories, knowing my pant size, or weighing myself is truly a beautiful feeling."

Jason Kim//SELF

Despite her reputation as a party girl, Kesha reveals that her pre-show rituals would surprise fans who only remember her for singing about brushing her teeth with a bottle of Jack.

When she is not on tour, she cherishes her meals by indulging in the process of shopping for fresh ingredients at local farmers markets and cooking for her own enjoyment.

Kesha has openly discussed her struggle with an eating disorder, sharing that she had a moment of realization during a dinner party. She explained that she was pretending to eat her meal but eventually reached a breaking point, exclaiming, "I'm hungry! F--k this s--t!" She expressed feeling overwhelmed by the anxiety of keeping her eating disorder a secret, including times when she pretended to eat or engaged in purging. Kesha vividly recalled shaking with frustration and anger, regretting how she had allowed herself to reach that point.

After her time in rehab, Kesha found solace in her music and poured her emotions into her album Rainbow, which was released in August 2017. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, she expressed that the album allowed her to regain control of her life.

The highly anticipated release of Kesha's fifth studio album, Gag Order, serves as a poignant reference to her ongoing legal battle with renowned producer Dr. Luke. Four years ago, Kesha initiated a lawsuit against Dr. Luke, accusing him of sexual assault, battery, and harassment. In response, Dr. Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, vehemently refuted all of Kesha's claims and counter-sued her for defamation.

Recently, the New York Court of Appeals made a significant ruling, classifying Dr. Luke as a "public figure." This designation requires him to provide substantial evidence demonstrating that Kesha acted with deliberate intent to harm in order to prevail in his lawsuit. This decision overturns a previous judgment that regarded Dr. Luke as a private figure, which would have placed a lesser burden of proof upon him. The trial for the defamation case is scheduled to commence in July.

Kesha revealed that she has made a conscious effort to be more transparent about her ongoing legal battles, which have been a significant part of her life for almost ten years. Initially, she admitted to never truly acknowledging her anger, until her acupuncturist advised her to release it by screaming on a mountain. At first, she didn't feel angry, but once she tapped into her emotions, she channeled them into her music. This album marked a turning point for Kesha as she bravely delved into subjects she had previously avoided due to nerves. She confessed that her desire to uplift and entertain people had prevented her from addressing the darker aspects of her own thoughts. However, she realized that as an artist, she needed to shed light on these aspects and explore the depths of her mind.

If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Eating Disorders (NEDA) website or call their hotline at (800) 931-2237 to get help.