'Destroyed my body': Jameela Jamil on past eating disorder
Actor Jameela Jamil, known for her role in NBC's The Good Place, has always been public about her health complications. On Wednesday, she opened up about her past struggle with anorexia on Kelly Ripa's Let's Talk Off Camera podcast. The 38-year-old actor confessed that the disorder had "f*cked up my kidney, my liver, my digestive system, my heart." She admitted to having "destroyed" her body and her bone density through the use of laxatives and unhealthy dieting practices.
First, know about anorexia and its harmful, long-lasting impact
Per Mayo Clinic, "Anorexia nervosa — often simply called anorexia — is an eating disorder characterized by an abnormally low body weight, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted perception of weight." "People with anorexia place a high value on controlling their weight and shape, using extreme efforts that tend to significantly interfere with their lives." "They may control calorie intake by vomiting after eating or by misusing laxatives, diet aids, diuretics or enemas."
Jamil's regret over damaging her body for beauty standards
Jamil expressed deep regret over the harm she inflicted on herself. She candidly stated, "I'm so sorry to my body that I have jeopardized my future so severely for a beauty standard and to try to fit in with other people." "I took so many laxatives, I'm amazed I even still have an a-hole, to be perfectly honest." "I took any pill or drink or diet that Oprah recommended. You know, any very low-calorie supermodel diet."
Jamil's advocacy for health over appearance
Jamil has been outspoken about the dangers of eating disorders and unhealthy diets due to her personal experiences. She criticized the societal focus on overeating while neglecting the risks of under-eating. The actor also called out celebrities like Kim Kardashian for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. Emphasizing health over appearance, she said, "So I want to be someone who reminds people: don't eat for your waistline now, eat for your longevity later."
'No talk about the dangers of not eating enough'
Shouldering responsibility, she added, "We just don't talk about it and it's an inconvenient truth that the diet industry kind of squashes." "That's why I'm so annoying publicly about eating disorders and diets because there's so much talk about the dangers of being in a bigger body and there's no talk almost about the dangers of not eating enough, only eating too much."
Jamil's journey toward regaining health and raising awareness
After nearly five years of healthy eating habits, Jamil acknowledged the progress she has made in regaining her health. However, she admitted that the long-term damage caused by her eating disorder still causes complications and pain. Despite these challenges, the She-Hulk: Attorney at Law actor remains committed to raising awareness about the dangers of eating disorders, stating, "I've got more capacity to think of others and using every bit of energy I have to warn everyone else."
