Fame can kill! That’s especially true in Hollywood, where the constant pressure to maintain their figures causes some stars to develop deadly eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and even binge eating — and puts other stars at risk.
While some celebs shed too much weight through extreme forms of dieting and obsessive exercise, others pack on the pounds when they lose control and turn to food — and experts warn that in both cases the results can be fatal.
Here’s what the stars have to say about their weight struggles:
Nicole Richie
“I had a bad breakup and it eats me up inside when I’m upset about something. I get really stressed out, and I do lose my appetite.” —That’s how the star of FOX-TV’s reality show The Simple Life explained losing nearly 40 pounds in 18 months.
Meredith Vieira
“I stopped eating. I spent a summer drinking Tab and only eating apples and Ritz crackers. I lost a lot of weight and almost became anorexic.” —That’s the shocking confession of the 52-year-old former star of The View, who recently signed a $10 million, four-year deal to replace Katie Couric on the Today show.
Paula Abdul
“I realized I needed professional help when I looked at myself in the mirror — and my body looked like a skeleton! I could see my bones sticking out through my skin. My legs looked as thin as toothpicks.” —With those chilling words, the American Idol judge recalled the day she hit rock bottom — and checked into a clinic to beat her eating disorder.
Oprah Winfrey
“I have an eating addiction that I’m constantly trying to control. I know there have been instances where I’m eating to repress my feelings.” — With those words, Oprah — a lifelong yo-yo dieter — confessed the world’s worst-kept secret to her talk show audience.
Pick up this week’s ENQUIRER to read more about these stars and others who battle with weight issues, including Ashlee Simpson, Linday Lohan, Kirstie Alley, Felicity Huffman and more!
