Zayn Malik, once part of the boy band sensation known as One Direction recently spoke out on struggling with an eating disorder. This is a huge step for Zayn to admit this to the world--let alone himself that he struggled with this. Eating disorders affect 20 million women and 10 million men in the United States alone. Those are only the reported numbers so those suffering without getting help is even more than that. Zayn explains:
“(I was) losing track of, you know, actually eating, and being super busy and getting caught up with other things that 17- or 18-year-olds do, which normally entails them going out, drinking or partying. I realized that I wasn’t eating as much just down to the amount of work that we were doing … our schedule was kind of crazy so we were all over the place,”
The myth that eating disorders are 'a woman's disease' is a complete lie and often stops men from getting help. People like Zayn have incredible power to spread the word about this hidden epidemic and create actual change as well as reduce the stigma. Recently, though more and more celebrities are opening up about their issues. Almost all the main characters from the hit Freeform show "Pretty Little Liars," has opened up about their past struggles including, Troian Bellisario, Lucy Hale, and Shay Mitchell. Back in 2011, Demi Lovato went to rehab for bulimia, bipolar disorder, and self-harm. Demi was (in my opinion) someone who opened up the conversation and allowed other celebrities to be open about their own mental health issues. Kesha, the sensational pop singer also talked about her past eating disorder after going to rehab for it in the Chicago area.
Talking about eating disorders and bringing them to the light is only the first step in reducing the stigma. I am unbelievably inspired and proud of the many celebrities being honest about their issues. I can only hope that many more people get the help they need and fight this terrible disease. I am completely thankful for the people lighting the path for those still in the dark.
