Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik opens up about recovering from eating disorder: ‘This is the first time I’ve ever talked about it’

Mayim Bialik has opened up about her past struggles with an eating disorder, revealing that she never publicly discussed the topic until now.

The Big Bang Theory star spoke candidly about her battle with anorexia during the latest episode of her podcast Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, during which she spoke with author Glennon Doyle, who has previously shared her struggles with disordered eating.

“I happen to be a compulsive overeater and I’m an anorexic and I’m a restrictor and I’ve never said that,” Bialik told Doyle during the conversation. “This is the first time I’ve ever talked about it because people are like: ‘Well why are you so overweight?’

“Well, because I’m a compulsive overeater and in addition to being, you know, an anorexic and restrictor.”

During the podcast, Bialik explained that she eats “too much when no one’s looking” and that she is “eating so I don’t have to feel anything”.

Read more: How to cope if lockdown has triggered your disordered eating

The pressures of the entertainment industry also played a part in her disordered eating habits, with the 45-year-old revealing that she was once told she was “brave” for taking on a role in a movie despite being heavier than usual.

According to Bialik, she has since begun working to release the pressures of caring about Hollywood standards.

“I’m trying to release the pressure of being 15 pounds lighter, which is what I, quote, ‘should be’ by Hollywood standards,” she told the author at one point. “I’m trying to release the pressure of caring that I’m wearing the clothes that make me look like those other women, even though I’m not those other women. Those are, like, my short-term 2021 goals.”

As for why she decided to share her experience now, Bialik said she was inspired by Doyle, as the New York Times bestseller has been open about her own struggles with eating disorders.

“I only feel inspired because of her, to do that,” she said ahead of the episode, adding that she has “known about my problems for years” and has been in recovery for two years.

The actress, who is known for being transparent about mental health, previously revealed that she has a history of depression while discussing the importance of finding the right therapy and medication.

“I think what I would have liked to tell my younger self about my mental health is that there are answers,” she said in a 2018 video shared in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, according to Today. “And for me, some of those answers I had to wait years to find and I needed to get different help, which ended up being really the right kind of help.

“I had this notion, when I was younger, that if something didn’t work once, or if a therapist didn’t work, or if a medication didn’t work, that nothing would ever work and I wish I could have told my younger self, something will work.”

For anyone struggling with the issues raised in this piece, eating disorder charity Beat’s helpline is available 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677.

NCFED offers information, resources and counselling for those suffering from eating disorders, as well as their support networks. Visit eating-disorders.org.uk or call 0845 838 2040.