(Newswire.net — September 3, 2013) {City}, {State} — Lady Gaga, the extremely popular and controversial entertainer, has publicly admitted to suffering from a serious eating disorder off and on for many years. While some applaud the honesty of Gaga’s actions, others criticize her of trying to leverage her condition to exploit her ‘body revolution’ cause.
Never one to shy away from the spotlight, the 27 year old singer born as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta but better known as Lady Gaga has publicly admitted to having an eating disorder most of her life. More specifically, she suffers from anorexia and bulimia and has battled with these conditions since she was 15 years of age.
The news was made official when Gaga posted pictures of herself in her underwear on her own popular social networking site LittleMonsters.com with the caption, “Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15.” This came after being scrutinized by the press for her recent weight gain estimated to be about 25 lbs.
Though some applaud Gaga for her bravery and her willingness to share her personal issues with the world, others see the act as a little suspicious. This suspicion is primarily due to the fact that Gaga and her mother launched the “Born this Way” Foundation nearly immediately after the singer’s news went public.
Both news items went viral on the Internet. Sceptics are suggesting that this is exactly what the singer and her publicists wanted.
Whether it is a publicity ploy or not, Gaga does have a condition that afflicts millions of people around the world. It is estimated that 8 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder and of those, 7 million are women.
More concerning is the fact that people with eating disorders have a higher mortality rate than any other mental illness.
It is also commonly believed that half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder.
Fortunately, there is help available. Anyone suffering from an eating disorder themselves or suspecting a friend or loved one is battling with anorexia or bulimia is encouraged to call the Eating Disorders Help Line at 1-888-981-7152.
Two major challenges that anyone suffering from an eating disorder faces are shame and loneliness. The helpline has been set up to assure sufferers that there is hope. That they are not alone and that this condition is curable.
The helpline is operated by trained professionals with the experience and resources to assist anyone facing the challenges of overcoming eating disorders. It is important to note, that the helpline is available to friends and family members of victims of eating disorders as well. By taking proactive action and getting the facts on behalf of a loved one, the caller will be in a position to better assist the victim.
Callers do not have to have the fame or notoriety that goes along with a Lady Gaga eating disorder. All callers are welcome. That number again is 1-888-981-7152.