India, Nov. 22 -- S truggling to eat is a real thing, and it's called an eating disorder. Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh recently opened up about her experience with bulimia, describing a long "toxic" relationship with food. She shared that her co-star Sanya Malhotra was the first to notice the warning signs. Fatima admitted feeling pressured to maintain a certain image, and revealed how her eating habits after filming Dangal, where she consumed 2,500-3,000 calories daily to gain weight, gradually slipped into unhealthy patterns once that 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. Soon, her struggle swung to the opposite extreme. Fatima revealed she would sometimes starve herself, even avoiding stepping out because she feared bingeing again. Looking back, she admitted that she thought about food constantly, following a rigid and unhealthy approach to eating. Psychologist Arpita Kohli, counsellor at PSRI Hospital, explains that eating disorders are complex mental-health conditions linked to emotional distress, body-image issues, and coping challenges. The most common include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. "Bulimia involves binge eating followed by purging through 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 risk is low potassium, which can cause dangerous heart arrhythmias. The digestive system becomes compromised, leading to 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 Maccure Hospital. Social media often fuels and worsens eating disorders in today's environment. "Young women face layered pressures: beauty standards glorifying thinness, and cultural expectations linking appearance to worth. Academic stress, low self-esteem, and perfectionism also contribute. Open discussions by public figures help destigmatise mental health, encouraging others to seek help and fostering a more compassionate society."...