‘Embracing the Unbreakable Chain: Ex-Disney Star Alyson Stoner Opens Up about Her Courageous Battle with Youthful Eating Disorder’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Alyson Stoner Opens Up About Eating Difficulties and Overcoming Eating Disorders

Alyson Stoner, the former Disney Channel star known for their roles in Missy Elliot’s ‘Work It’ music video, ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’ ‘Step Up,’ and ‘Camp Rock,’ recently shared their struggles with eating difficulties and eating disorders. In a candid conversation on the podcast ‘Dear Hollywood: Becoming a Product: Eating Disorders and Body Image,’ Stoner opened up about their journey and how they overcame these challenges.

Growing up in Ohio until the age of six, Stoner described their early concept of self as “pretty positive.” However, their life took a turn when they entered the spotlight at the young age of nine. As they gained fame and success, Stoner became acutely aware of their body being a topic of discussion. They faced scrutiny and criticism from some, while others celebrated their appearance. This shift affected Stoner’s body image, particularly during puberty.

Puberty brought significant changes to Stoner’s body, and they resorted to extreme measures to fit societal ideals of beauty. They underwent laser hair removal, wore braces, and layered bras to mimic the appearance of breasts. These actions were an attempt to increase their chances of being desirable and hirable in the entertainment industry. However, this pursuit of perfection took a toll on Stoner’s mental and physical well-being.

Despite finding success in their career, Stoner faced challenges at home. Their stepfather was abusive, and their mother struggled with alcoholism. To cope with the turmoil at home, Stoner turned to their faith. When that wasn’t enough, they developed an unhealthy relationship with food and exercise. Stoner’s initial obsession with healthy eating, known as orthorexia, evolved into severe restriction, exercise bulimia, and binge eating.

Stoner’s struggle with an eating disorder was partially driven by the pressures of the entertainment industry. They felt out of control in their chaotic home life, and these behaviors became a way for them to regain a sense of control. At the age of 13, Stoner began meticulously tracking every morsel of food they consumed, recording their intake up to 12 times a day. These behaviors took a severe toll on their health, resulting in hair loss, malnourishment, low bone density, anemia, and the loss of their menstrual cycle.

Feeling isolated and estranged from their peers, Stoner sought help through online recovery forums. They also sought professional help from dieticians and challenged their body dysmorphia. However, these efforts alone were not enough to facilitate their recovery. The grip of the eating disorder was deeply entrenched in Stoner’s identity, sense of purpose, and belonging.

Stoner’s struggle with their eating disorder led to a constant battle with self-control. As they attempted to reintroduce “bad foods” into their diet and increase portion sizes, they transitioned to binge eating. Their binge episodes were characterized by driving to the store to purchase quantities of cakes, ice cream, sandwiches, and chips until they felt full or numb. The cycle continued as Stoner would steal food from sets, binge eat while filming ‘Camp Rock,’ and then work off the calories at the gym in the middle of the night.

In 2011, at the age of 17, Stoner was hospitalized and admitted to rehab for further treatment of their eating disorders. The treatment focused on their mental health alongside addressing their disordered eating habits. After a challenging journey, Stoner has now recovered from their eating disorders. They have transitioned to a plant-based diet following five years of balanced eating. They have also chosen to prioritize individualized wellness from the inside out, no longer owning a scale and focusing on overall well-being rather than external appearance.

Alyson Stoner’s story sheds light on the pervasive nature of eating disorders and the various factors that contribute to their development. Their journey serves as an inspiration to those struggling with similar issues, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help, community support, and a holistic approach to recovery.

In conclusion, Alyson Stoner’s openness about their eating difficulties and recovery journey is a testament to their strength and resilience. By sharing their story, they have become a voice of hope and encouragement for others facing similar challenges. It is essential that we continue to break the stigma surrounding eating disorders and offer support and understanding to those affected.