Robbie Williams has revealed how he once lived on a banana a day at the height of his battle with an eating disorder.
The former Take That singer, 49, who is set to release a brand new Netflix documentary about his rollercoaster career this month, has spoken about his experiences and said for the first time that it was fair to say he had anorexia.
His new documentary recalls a particularly worrying time in his life when he admits he used to eat just one banana a day and survive on 90 calories.
Speaking to The Sun about this time, Robbie explains: “There was an overall eating disorder that has been with me my whole life, it’s a mix of all the disorders.”
“I had ‘bigorexia,’ which means having no muscles or height, and anorexia.” There’s one word missing, though, and that’s me. It was either restrictive or overeating – I’ve never gotten it right… there’s an eating disorder, I’m just not sure what my brand is.”
Speaking out: Robbie Williams has revealed how he once lived on a banana a day at the height of his battle with an eating disorder
Anorexia is a serious mental illness in which a person restricts their food intake, often leading to severe underweight. Many also exercise excessively.
Some sufferers may experience binge eating followed by a purging reaction. Those affected often have a distorted self-image and believe they are bigger than they actually are.
The singer has spoken openly in the past about his ongoing battle with body dysmorphia.
In July, the former Take That star, who admitted to having Botox, addressed his weight loss after fans noticed his slim body.
He posted a drawing to his 2.7 million Instagram followers showing two characters, one saying, “It’s gone too far,” and another saying, “Oh, God bless you.”
As part of the caption, Robbie wrote: “I could write a book about self-hatred when it comes to my body image.” Like pure self-hatred.
The ugliness of feeling ugly. I have body dysmorphia, and in addition to being temporarily dysmorphic, I can also be over 40 pounds overweight.
“So you can imagine what my mind sees.” Or maybe you can’t, it’s a fucking disaster.
Showman: The former Take That singer, 49, who is set to release a brand new Netflix documentary about his rollercoaster career, has opened up about his experiences and for the first time you can hardly tell he had anorexia
I’m skinny at the moment… But the way I am, I’m like, “Damn, great Rob, you managed to get skinny and now you’re old, congratulations, golf clap.”
“The struggle is real, the sadness is shocking.” I’ve had it my whole life. And it won’t let up.’
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or body dysmorphia is a mental illness in which a person spends a lot of time worrying about cosmetic flaws. These deficiencies often go unnoticed by others.
BDD can occur in people of all ages, but it is most common in teenagers and young adults. It affects both men and women.
Having BDD does not mean you are vain or selfish. It can be very disturbing and have a big impact on your life.
Robbie has confessed in the past that he is “addictive” and has problems with his sugar intake and eating healthy foods.
The singer, who has now been sober for 20 years, revealed that he gained a lot of weight while high and grocery shopping.
Reflecting: The star said of his eating disorder: “It was either restrictive or overeating – I’ve never done it right… there is an eating disorder, I’m just not sure what my brand is.”
WHAT IS ANOREXIA?
Anorexia is a serious mental illness in which a person restricts their food intake, often leading to severe underweight.
Many also exercise excessively.
Some sufferers may experience binge eating followed by a purging reaction.
Those affected often have a distorted self-image and believe they are bigger than they actually are.
If left untreated, it can lead to loss of muscle and bone strength, as well as depression, decreased libido, and lack of menstruation in women.
In severe cases, heart problems and organ damage can occur.
Behavioral signs of anorexia include people saying they have already eaten or will eat later, as well as counting calories, missing meals, hiding food, and eating slowly.
In addition to weight loss, sufferers may experience insomnia, constipation, bloating, feeling cold, hair loss and swelling of the hands, face and feet.
Treatment focuses on therapy and support groups to promote healthy eating and coping mechanisms.
Source: Beat Eating Disorders
Robbie reflected on his struggles with his mental health in the latest trailer for his upcoming Netflix docuseries.
The release comes ahead of the November 8 release of the four-part show, which combines never-before-seen footage of Robbie with new interviews.
In keeping with the 25th anniversary of his solo career, the series offers an intimate look into his never-before-seen personal archive spanning 30 years.
In the new trailer, he began by reflecting on his journey and career, before opening up about how things became increasingly difficult and led to a “nervous breakdown in front of thousands of people.”
Robbie, who shares Teddy, 10, Charlie, eight, Coco, four, and Beau, three, with his wife Ayda, mused: “It’s amazing what’s happened in my life.” But the past has me in a headlock .
“Something has to give.” “You should only do that at the Pearly Gates while St. Peter looks back on your life.”
He added that he was thrust into the spotlight at a young age: “When I joined Take That I was 16, it was crazy. “I was the center of the pop culture world.
“I felt like I was revealing more and more of myself to the point where you no longer recognize yourself.”
“When you’re in the spotlight, you can’t trust anyone.” I had a nervous breakdown in front of thousands of people.
“The thing that would destroy me also made me successful.” Touch the fire, press when it says “pull,” and see if I can survive. “I don’t know how easy it is for people to get to know me.”
Robbie has been very open about his ongoing battle with mental illness and his history with depression and anxiety. And just as his fame reached its highest point ever, the pop star hit his lowest point.
From 2006 to 2009, Williams struggled with agoraphobia. Social anxiety disorder left him housebound for three years.
He has previously revealed that he entered rehab in 2007 after taking speed, acid, heroin, cocaine and “heartbreaking” amounts of prescription drugs.
Iconic: Marking the 25th anniversary of his solo career, Robbie’s upcoming Netflix series will provide an intimate look into his never-before-seen personal archive spanning 30 years