Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up On Bulimia Battle, Sparks Awareness On Eating Disorders

Updated: November 20, 2025 16:48

Image Source : Hindustan Times

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has revealed her struggle with bulimia, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll of eating disorders. Her candid account has prompted experts to decode the complexities of bulimia and highlight the need for early recognition, support systems, and destigmatized conversations around mental health.

Bollywood actor Fatima Sana Shaikh has publicly shared her experience with bulimia, a serious eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging. Speaking on a podcast hosted by Rhea Chakraborty, Shaikh described her “toxic relationship with food” and the emotional extremes she endured during and after her physical transformation for the film Dangal.

Shaikh revealed that while training for Dangal, she consumed 2,500–3,000 calories daily to gain weight. However, after filming ended, her activity levels dropped but her eating habits remained unchanged, leading to unhealthy patterns. She admitted to binge eating for hours and then starving herself, living between extremes and feeling out of control. Her co-star Sanya Malhotra was the first to notice the signs of bulimia.

Key highlights from the revelation and expert commentary include

Fatima Sana Shaikh battled bulimia for over a year, marked by binge eating and self-starvation cycles.
She described being “addicted to an image” of herself and struggling with body image pressures.
Experts note that bulimia often stems from societal expectations, emotional distress, and distorted self-perception.
Shaikh’s openness has sparked conversations around the need for mental health literacy and early intervention.
Psychologists emphasize that eating disorders are not just about food but are deeply rooted in emotional regulation and self-worth.
Bulimia can lead to severe health complications including electrolyte imbalance, gastrointestinal issues, and cardiac risks.
Experts urge families and peers to recognize behavioral signs such as secrecy around food, frequent bathroom visits, and mood swings.
Shaikh’s story highlights the importance of supportive environments and professional help in recovery.
Her disclosure adds to a growing list of public figures advocating for mental health awareness in India’s entertainment industry.

Sources: Hindustan Times, News18, Zee News, Times of India, NewsBytes.

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