Fatima Sana Shaikh Reveals Her Toxic Relationship with Food and Bulimia Journey

Fatima Sana Shaikh has bravely shared her ongoing struggle with bulimia, describing her relationship with food as 'toxic' and detrimental to her mental health.

During a recent podcast, the actress revealed that it was her co-star Sanya Malhotra who first noticed the signs of her eating disorder. Fatima explained how her journey with bulimia began after the release of Dangal, the film that catapulted her to fame.

She admitted to maintaining a rigorous diet during the filming, consuming between 2,500 and 3,000 calories daily to gain weight for her role. However, after the film, she continued to eat the same way while significantly reducing her physical activity. This led to unhealthy eating habits, with food becoming her emotional refuge.

Fatima recounted times when she would eat for hours, feeling a lack of control and subsequently spiraling into self-loathing. This cycle eventually led her to extreme behaviors, including starving herself to avoid binge eating. She often avoided social situations out of fear of losing control around food.

It was only when Sanya gently confronted her about her struggles that Fatima began to recognize the impact on her mental health, admitting it was a difficult realization. Despite the challenges, she is now focused on cultivating a healthier relationship with her body and food.

Understanding Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by purging to eliminate calories. This could involve self-induced vomiting or excessive exercise. Individuals with bulimia often experience heightened anxiety and may exhibit self-harming behaviors.

Common signs include noticeable weight fluctuations, stained teeth from vomiting, and irregular menstrual cycles. Understanding and addressing these disorders is crucial for recovery and mental well-being.