Unveiling the Silent Battle: Lauren Alaina's Untold Struggle with an Eating Disorder on 'American Idol'

Country singer Lauren Alaina revealed her battle with an eating disorder during her stint on season 10 of American Idol. Alaina, 28, candidly shared her experience with Hannah Brown on the "Better Tomorrow" podcast, recounting how her struggle with the disorder started in middle school and continued into tenth grade, coinciding with her time on the popular singing competition. She also mentioned feeling self-conscious about her appearance during that stage in her life.

Alaina shared that the girls in her high school were her biggest critics until she made the decision to appear on national television. Despite always feeling confident on stage, she admitted that her weight was the one aspect she lacked confidence in, especially since her body changed when she became a cheerleader in eighth grade. Prior to that, she had been a softball player and had a different physique.

Alaina, who was

, emerged as the second-place finisher in the highly acclaimed singing contest in 2011, ultimately runner-up to her counterpart, Scotty McCreery. Reflecting on her experience as a 16-year-old participant, Alaina recalls the challenging phase of transitioning from being a teenager to becoming a woman. She found it astonishing that her appearance received significant attention and critique from numerous viewers.

Lauren Alaina revealed that she received a lot of comments about her weight as a teenager. She expressed disbelief at how people could be so cruel towards a 16-year-old. These comments took a toll on her, leading to a severe eating disorder. Alaina admitted that during those years, she not only struggled to find herself but also felt her light dimming due to the pressures of television.

Despite facing hurtful comments and even being mocked on a blog as "Miss Piggy," Alaina managed to find solace in the positive response to her fan-favorite performances on the show. However, alongside the extreme highs, she also experienced extreme lows, including a long battle with bulimia. Although Alaina had been in remission for years, the prospect of returning to national television for Dancing With the Stars in 2019 prompted her to seek therapy once again.

Alaina expresses that she is thriving at the moment, as she continues to unveil fresh music and embark on tours, all while feeling content and in good health. Although she generally refrains from perusing online comments, she does take the time to engage with her fans and acknowledges the ones that are particularly positive. Alaina emphasizes that the present circumstances are overwhelmingly optimistic.

If you or someone you know is grappling with an eating disorder, seek assistance by visiting the website of the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders (ANAD) or reach out to their hotline at (888)-375-7767.