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Struggling to eat is a real thing, and it’s called an eating disorder. Many people suffer silently, sometimes not even recognizing it and shrugging it off as if it were a form of dieting. Recently, actress Fatima Sana Shaikh spoke about her long struggle with eating disorders, admitting that her relationship with food has often been “toxic”.
On a podcast, the actor revealed that she struggled with bulimia for a year and it was her co-star, actor Sanya Malhotra, who was the first to recognize the symptoms. Fatima shared that she has always had a “love-hate” relationship with herself and feels pressure to maintain a certain image. During the shooting of the film Dangal, he consumed 2,500–3,000 calories per day to gain weight for his role, but when the film ended, he continued eating the same way while training very little, which led to unhealthy habits.
Food became his comfort and he found himself eating continuously for hours. “I hate myself because I have no control,” she said.
His struggle soon took a turn in the opposite direction. Fatima revealed that she would sometimes starve herself, avoiding going out because she was afraid of drinking alcohol again. Reflecting on that period, she admitted that she constantly thought about food and that her approach to diet was rigid, unhealthy.
What is an eating disorder anyway?
Arpita Kohli, psychologist and counselor at PSRI Hospital, tells us that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that are rooted in emotional distress, body-image struggles and coping challenges. There are two types: anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. “Bulimia typically involves a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative abuse. These behaviors are driven by guilt, shame, and a perceived loss of control over food,” she says.
How does bulimia affect your body?
Bulimia places significant stress on the body because the cycle of repeated binge eating and purging disrupts metabolic stability and electrolyte balance. Over time, repeated vomiting can erode tooth enamel, irritate the esophagus, and lead to long-term dehydration.
“One of the most serious dangers is low potassium, which can cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. The digestive system also often becomes compromised, resulting in problems like acid reflux, bloating, constipation and delayed gastric emptying. I often see nutrient deficiencies, irregular menstrual cycles and chronic fatigue as the body struggles to access consistent nutrition. In severe cases, fluctuations in electrolytes can contribute to stress or injury to the kidneys,” McCure says. Sukh Sabia, nutritionist at the hospital, explains.
role of social media
Social media plays a vital role in increasing this disorder in our time and age. “Young women often face layered pressures: beauty standards that glorify thinness, social media filters that make unrealistic comparisons, and cultural expectations that link appearance with value. Industries like entertainment, fitness, and fashion can deepen these pressures by emphasizing body perfection. Academic stress, low self-esteem, and perfectionistic tendencies contribute to the development or worsening of disordered eating patterns,” she adds.
However, when public figures speak openly about their struggles, it normalizes the conversation about mental health and breaks down long-standing stigmas. This encourages others to seek help and promotes a more compassionate, informed society.
warning signs
- obsessive thoughts about food
- privacy regarding food
- dieting frequently
- Sudden weight change and mood swings
- exercising excessively, or using the bathroom immediately after meals
- Emotional signs such as irritability, withdrawal or anxiety around food are equally important and should not be ignored.
How to come out of this?
Sukh says recovery is a gradual process and it’s normal to include ups and downs. “Many individuals achieve full recovery with the right combination of supports, including therapy, nutrition counseling, medical monitoring, and a compassionate environment. With early intervention and an individualized treatment plan, it is entirely possible to rebuild a healthy relationship with food and regain emotional and physical stability,” she adds.
Nutrition therapy also plays an important role in recovery from bulimia. It helps restore physical health by eliminating nutrient deficiencies, stabilizing blood sugar, and re-establishing regular eating patterns.
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