Fatima Sana Shaikh recalls battling Bulimia: Know all about the eating disorder

Fatima Sana Shaikh has spoken candidly about her battle with bulimia, revealing that the eating disorder began after her intense physical transformation for Aamir Khan’s Dangal. In the podcast with actress Rhea Chakraborty, Chapter 2 with Rhea Chakraborty, Fatima Sana Shaikh shared how extreme pressure to maintain a certain body type gradually led to a harmful relationship with food, affecting both her physical and mental health.

The actor admitted that what started as disciplined fitness and dietary control slowly spiralled into binge eating followed by purging, a cycle she struggled to break for years. Her revelations have sparked widespread conversations around eating disorders and mental health in the entertainment industry.

How her Dangal transformation triggered bulimia

Fatima explained that the strict workout regime and food restrictions required for _Dangal_ altered her perception of eating and body image. She consumed between 2,500 and 3,000 calories daily. “When I am goal-oriented, I will do everything,” she said. Over time, this developed into bulimia nervosa, characterised by episodes of uncontrolled eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise or fasting.

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She explained how food became comfort and control began to slip. “I could eat for two hours non-stop. I have two extremes. If I am not holistic, I go towards extremes,” she claimed.

She recalled obsessing over calorie counts, mentally calculating how many hours were left in the day and how to “undo” what she had eaten. “My understanding of diet was so rigid. The problem is not in the food,” she reflected. “It’s in you because you’re feeling insecure. You’re eating your feelings.”

She said the condition took a severe emotional toll, impacting her self-esteem, mental health and daily life, even as her career continued to flourish.

She also added, “When anyone has a mental health disorder, everything seems fine on the outside. But all the demons are in the mind.”

Speaking about what has changed now, she added that it was awareness. “There are days I binge eat. But I chose it. I’m not punishing myself the same way,”

What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by recurring cycles of binge eating and purging. Individuals often consume large amounts of food in a short span and then attempt to prevent weight gain through vomiting, excessive workouts, fasting or misuse of laxatives.

It is commonly associated with body dissatisfaction, psychological distress, anxiety and social pressure, particularly in image-conscious industries such as film and fashion.

Common symptoms of bulimia include frequent binge episodes, purging behaviours, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, guilt after eating, fatigue, dehydration and digestive problems. Over time, it can lead to serious medical complications, including electrolyte imbalance, dental damage and gastrointestinal disorders.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, nutritional counselling and medical monitoring. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective approaches, helping individuals develop healthier relationships with food and body image. In some cases, medication may also be prescribed.

Fatima had opened up about her challenges with Bulimia even earlier. She has also been vocal about battling epilepsy. The actress was last seen in Aap Jaisa Koi and Metro... Inn Dinon.