Post by : Saif Rahman

Renowned actor Fatima Sana Shaikh, beloved for her role in Dangal, has bravely shared a personal narrative about her struggle with bulimia, describing her tumultuous relationship with food. On November 17, she appeared on Rhea Chakraborty’s podcast Chapter 2, revealing the hidden battles she faced despite appearing confident outwardly.

Fatima’s ordeal began shortly after the filming of Dangal concluded, during which she maintained a high-calorie diet of 2,500–3,000 daily calories coupled with intense training. Once filming ended, her calorie intake persisted while her workout regimen lightened, leading her to develop an unhealthy relationship with food. She recounted how food transitioned into her solace, often consuming it without pause while grappling with feelings of disappointment over losing control.

Her condition intensified as she oscillated between extremes—binging excessively on some days and fasting entirely on others. Fatima expressed her fear of leaving home, terrified of losing herself in another binge. This confusing relationship with food took a heavy toll on her mental well-being, trapping her in a cycle of worry and despair.

It was her co-star from Dangal, Sanya Malhotra, who first recognized that something was amiss. Sanya approached her with care regarding her eating habits, prompting Fatima to acknowledge her struggles with an eating disorder, which left her feeling ashamed at first. She gradually came to understand that her issues extended beyond food—incorporating stress, pressure, and mental health struggles.

Experts emphasize that bulimia is a critical eating disorder requiring immediate intervention. In a 2022 interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Vrushali Bichkar from Motherhood Hospital in Pune noted that bulimia encompasses cycles of overeating followed by purging, either through forced vomiting or extreme exercise. Individuals may experience guilt, apprehension, and stress concerning food, with noticeable physical signs often hidden out of shame.

Fatima’s choice to disclose her fight is vital as many suffer from similar disorders in silence, fearing stigma or isolation. By candidly sharing her journey, she aims to show others that they’re not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength. Though her healing journey continues, she now treats her body with more compassion and understanding.

Her story also underscores the immense pressure on actors to adhere to specific appearances. The often unrealistic expectations can significantly affect mental health, particularly when coupled with strict dietary restrictions. Fatima revealed that succumbing to these pressures exacerbated her anxiety, pushing her to recognize the importance of balance and self-care over conforming to unrealistic standards.

Fatima’s experience serves as a significant reminder of the importance of awareness and empathy surrounding eating disorders. These struggles aren’t always visible, and many individuals conceal their hardships. By initiating conversations, as Fatima has, we can foster an environment where seeking help becomes more normalized. Her journey illustrates that recovery is attainable with appropriate support and understanding.

#Health #wellness