India, Nov. 21 -- Struggling to eat is a real thing, and it's called an eating disorder. Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh opened up about her struggle with bulimia, describing a long "toxic" relationship with food. She shared that her co-star, actor Sanya Malhotra, first noticed the signs. Fatima admitted to feeling pressured to maintain a certain image and highlighted how her eating habits after filming Dangal-where she consumed 2,500-3,000 calories daily to gain weight-led to unhealthy patterns once her routine changed. Food became her comfort, and she found herself eating continuously for hours. "I'm hating myself because I have no control," she said. Her struggle soon swung to the extreme opposite. Fatima revealed she would sometimes starve herself, avoiding stepping out because she feared bingeing again. Reflecting on that period, she admitted she thought about food constantly and had a rigid, unhealthy approach to dieting. Psychologist Arpita Kohli, and counsellor at PSRIHospital, explains that eating disorders are complex mental health conditions linked to emotional distress, body-image issues, and coping challenges, mainly including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. "Bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging through as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxatives, driven by guilt and loss of control around food," she says. Bulimia places significant stress on the body because the repeated cycle of bingeing and purging disrupts metabolic stability and electrolyte balance. Over time, recurrent vomiting can erode tooth enamel, irritate the oesophagus, and lead to chronic dehydration. "The most serious risks is low potassium that causes dangerous heart arrhythmias. The digestive system becomes compromised and causes acid reflux, bloating, constipation, and delayed gastric emptying. I frequently see nutrient deficiencies, irregular menstrual cycles, and chronic fatigue as the body struggles to access consistent nourishment. In severe cases, fluctuating electrolytes can contribute to kidney strain or injury," explains nutritionist Sukh Sabia at MaccureHospital. Social media fuels and worsens eating disorders today's day and age. "Young women often face layered pressures: beauty standards glorifying thinness, and cultural expectations linking appearance with worth. Academic stress, low self-esteem, and perfectionism also contribute. Open discussions by public figures help destigmatize mental health, encouraging others to seek help and fostering a more compassionate society."...