In the recent issue of People magazine, Chloe Lattanzi, the young daughter of actress and singer Olivia Newton-John came public with her recent battle with anorexia. She is quite frank about how awful and debilitating this disease was, and still is, for her. But she is relying on the support of those around her and her burgeoning music career as a way to heal. She was also a contestant on the talent reality TV show, Rock the Cradle.
Once again, we see a figure in the media who seems to have it all, but becomes too immersed in and obsessed with some unhealthy lifestyle or behavior that leaves them fighting for their health, both mental and physical.
Chloe admits to being far from fully recovered, but as any addiction goes, no one ever fully recovers. It’s a day-to-day process. And to deal with her disease and recovery in the public spotlight can’t be easy.
From Mary-Kate Olsen to your teen-aged daughter’s friend, anorexia is a gripping disease. It’s a veritable prison for someone who is in the throes of it. As someone who has battled with restricted eating patterns, Chloe’s story was very familiar to me. And our story is similar to thousands of other women (and men) in this country and throughout the developed world where eating disorders are prevalent and devastating to the sufferer and those around her (or him).
If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. We encourage you to seek the help of your doctor, family and friends if you find yourself battling an eating disorder.
