Demi Lovato On Her Eating Disorder: 'It's A Life-Long Disease'
April 12 2011, Published 12:30 p.m. ET
Disney star Demi Lovato talked candidly about her battle with an eating disorder which ultimately led her to nearly three months in a rehab treatment facility, and RadarOnline.com has learned she admits it’s a “life-long disease.”
“There have been times when I definitely have been tempted to get rid of my dinner,” the 18-year-old Camp Rock actress told Seventeen Magazine in a recent interview.
“But I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it’s a life-long disease. I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.”
Lovato dropped off her international concert tour with the Jonas Brothers last November to enter rehab for "emotional and physical issues," according to her rep, and completed her stint in late January, 2011.
As RadarOnline.com was first to report, Lovato admitted to punching tour backup dancer Alex Welch, giving her a black eye and prompting her entry to rehab.
Before Lovato’s treatment, she was dogged by rumors of cutting herself after photos as far back as 2008 emerged of the young star with disturbing marks and scars on her wrists.
“It’s very crucial that you get your feelings out – but don’t ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred,” Lovato said.
“If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends. Don’t put yourself in danger.”
Since her release from rehab, the Sonny with a Chance star said she has a new lease on life and doesn’t worry about what other people think of her.
“I allow myself a lot of freedom and I’m very peaceful now,” she said.
“I have come to realize that just making yourself happy is most important. Never be ashamed of what you feel. You have the right to feel any emotion that you want, and to do what makes you happy. That’s my life motto.”
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