Becoming a Product: Eating Disorders and Body Image | Dear Hollywood Episode 5

TW: Eating Disorders and Abuse. What is the impact of commercializing a child’s body as a product? What are the effects of Hollywood on a child’s body image? Alyson shares raw and intimate details of developing a severe eating disorder driven by industry pressures and protocols, intense perfectionism, fear of losing career momentum, and daily abuse happening at home. They share how a fast-paced and chaotic schedule leaves no room for pause or processing, resulting in many young stars choosing to cope with substances, partying or self-harm.
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About Alyson Stoner:
Alyson Stoner is a multi-hyphenate known for their on-screen acting work in franchises such as Step Up and Camp Rock to dancing with the likes of Missy Elliot and Eminem and now their original digital content across all her platforms. Alyson is also the founder of Movement Genius, a digital wellness platform that provides live and on-demand classes to help you improve your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

[@jayce8001]

Children in Hollywood as a "Product for sale" chills me to my bones. Especially when so many parents of children in Hollywood also see their own children as nothing but that as well.

[@daunmorse9825]

SAME

[@deliat7478]

Every time she mentioned that she said the work "kid" or "children" I shuddered. I also grew up fast but I didn't have to do it in the spotlight like this. (Not to compare traumas, just to point out we all have different experiences). Like there was so many ways the system failed. Same thing with the last video where she talked about how completely unsafe children's bodies are on set. Like it's a merit system and that's where everything can go so very wrong.

[@rubencrystal1472]

reminds me a lot of family vlogging/other social media dynamics

[@Heather420]

I recently read Jeanette McCurdys book. It was so heartbreaking reading how she fought an is still fighing eating disorders. Between her book and your show it's really opening my eyes to how Hollywood treats people especially kids 😔

[@amystubby]

She was my first thought when I saw this title. That woman has been through it.

[@sianthesheep]

I read it too - the fact that her mum encouraged her eating disorder so Jeanette could stay smaller and looking younger and so get to stay playing the 'child actor' roles for longer is just horrible.

[@editam.32]

one note: in jeanette's own words, she says she is fully recovered from her eating disorders, now that her underlying trauma has been more resolved/healed.

[@Orth23]

I wanna read it!

[@Heather420]

@@Orth23 it's a hard read because of the subject but it's definitely worth reading. Personally I listened to the audiobook, hearing her read it made it deeper

[@gromit0299]

Daughter of a family who’s careers were in women’s swimsuits. My body was a billboard before I ever realized it. And it took much longer for me to realize how much dysmorphia and trauma I have from this. I’m still dealing with it.

[@jackieskellie]

Sending you an internet hug. Your body is not a commodity. 💛

[@oichigo]

As an adult, I made friends with someone during my time in LA who was formerly one of the "sidekick" child cast members. Everything you're saying here is exactly what he told me and there is clearly life long trauma into adulthood. I work in child safety professionally and deeply appreciate you speaking out about your experiences to help other children and give voice to the now adult children of the industry.

[@thesandravshow]

There are honestly such parallels to even kids who aren’t in this industry. I feel like the problem goes past the industry and it’s just our society as a whole.

[@eajaros]

Thissssss I was an educator for a decade before being in Hollywood and the idea that these are Hollywood issues alone is just a way for society at large to ignore that these problems are in EVERY INDUSTRY.

[@HikariNyappy]

Right?? I can't help thinking how many of those problems I've got growing up too, and being just a "normal" kid 🤔

[@meerie1414]

just wanna say that i love the structure of these videos. they don't just feel like a "tell all", although those are also interesting and helpful, but these videos feel incredibly educational in both content and tone. at times it reminds me of how crash course structures their videos the way it's broken up into parts and the way you call back to previous information you shared before. it makes it very tangible that you have done enough research to speak as an expert on the topic on top of going through the horrors firsthand. i'm glad that you're doing this so we can not only /know/ about the horrors but also learn what we can do to try and prevent it from continuing.

[@reneebrill8322]

I am living with CPTSD and I want to commend you on the excellent work that you are doing on this series. You are doing an excellent job of pointing the particularities of the entertainment industry while acknowledging the variety of harms done to children. The work and advocacy you are doing has the potential to shine a much needed light on the way that children are pressured to overperform and achieve success in everything from the arts, sports, and academics.

[@lebre.]

I have no words for this series. This is an impressive podcast on child stars' reality BUT also on conscious-living. Congratulations, Alyson 👏 Edit: it's crazy how I grew up wishing I looked like you in Camp Rock and behind the scenes you had all that going on. This is a seriously messed up industry. You're about to change everything!

[@teacupolous]

What’s that Gaga meme? “talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same” ALLAT

[@xdani_thethinkingneko]

I feel you so much on this, it is crazy to see them be so open with us, especially after watching them growing up. I always envied child stars as a child, and I vividly remember my father having a conversation with me explaining why it's not a fun thing. Even then he got it, and I'm so glad that when I wanted to go and go to auditions, that my dad nipped it in the butt,even though my mom said yes. I ended up struggling with drug addiction anyways, I cannot fathom if I had access to money and power like that is a child. 😢(I've been clean for five years this past August) My heart just breaks for all these people.😢 I'm so grateful that Alyson is talking about this, because it may help save a kid from going through what I went through with addiction / other pain. It may say a parent from making a horrible mistake. parents may think differently about putting them in it and if they still put them in it they may have a better idea about how to keep them safe.

[@wonderwoman5528]

It’s incredibly sad to see not just child stars, but most of Hollywood battling some sort of ED. Such a heavy predicament to know if you go against the grain and look outside the norm, there’ll be someone else to take your place. I hope, with intelligent conversations like these, that things will change in the industry

[@yatesnutrition]

I'm an ED-specialized dietitian. I was nodding along the whole time listening to you talk about what you tried, what didn't help, etc. I think it's going to be really helpful for others to see this who may also be struggling, and for them to realize that the disordered eating IS wrapped up in their identity That is the biggest and most important piece of recovery, and if it goes unchecked then we do see the ED shapeshift into other behaviors (bingeing, etc) just as you experienced & described. Thank you for your vulnerability in sharing this part of your story so that others may learn and process their own more clearly! For anyone struggling and reading this: If you're ready to make steps towards recovery, please be sure you are also seeking mental health therapy in addition to nutrition therapy. That is the gold standard for treatment because (just as Alyson was saying) it is about so much more than just food/exercise. Also a medical provider to check electrolytes and other labs is important. As a previous ED and body dysmorphia sufferer myself, I know that these things never fully go away. With that being said, I hope you're doing well! Thanks again for sharing. Loving this series so much💕

[@RT-dk7yv]

We’re the same age, I grew up watching disney channel, and I was always so jealous of what I thought was your ‘natural skinniness.’

[@TheBeccabus]

You explain beautifully why church or religion is no replacement for mental health support, although it can be a great benefit to mental health. I watched a close friend struggle with ED at high school and it was miserable. It's such a difficult thing to over come. Thank you for sharing so openly😊

[@un_comfortable]

“ABCD…. BYOB…. Oh yes PTSD” I don’t know why, but that has me rolling 😂

[@summerdais325]

I thought I was fat by age 3. I was hospitalized and force-fed at 6/7. So, unfortunately to say, I have struggled with body image issues and an ED on and off for most of my life. I'm 49.

[@dangerfry]

im sorry you had to go through that :( you are wonderful the way you are

[@MusikGirl23]

As one who first developed body dissatisfaction as an underweight or barely normal weight 4 year or 5 year old, my anorexia journey was the perfect storm during later elementary, junior high, high school, early university; and then my ‘quarter life crisis’ and full on onset of bipolar 2 disorder led to a very dangerous two relapses of anorexia that nearly killed me. I spent weeks locked away on the unit on a feeding tube and stuck in a wheelchair off ward; and very limited to how much I could walk on the ward…it took going to another province where one of Canada’s only residential treatment centres for EDs exists to final get better and escape the horror…and start to heal from the damage my earlier ED hospital stays had caused me. I am four years out from coming home from my 94 days there, and recently with a little weight swing up, I’ve had to be very mindful not to set into destructive pathways again. I’m very short (4’8) so my ‘little weight swing up’ of about 5-6 pounds in two months after maintaining within one or two pounds a weight for nearly two years set my brain a bit on fire, especially as some of my clothes suddenly didn’t fit right anymore (yes, that is how much 5-6 pounds acts on a 4’8 small framed body. I think it’s settled back down naturally, I see my doctor next week for my monthly check and weight, and hopefully things are okay. As in not drastically down either. I consider myself healed, and don’t want to go back to anorexia but at times it is definitely still a challenge.

[@lukenatewilson989]

I really appreciate you sharing your experiences with Faith and Christianity while not demonizing it. It’s really encouraging and inspiring.

[@YellowGiraffeGal]

I somehow always come online just as you upload the videos. I love this series, so insightful, and has definitely made me reconsider approaching celebrities, like I have done previously when meeting them in public. I feel a bit ashamed of that in hindsight. Thank you for the valuable conversation Alyson!

[@makemesomecoffee7821]

As long as you are not being creepy or presumptuous, it is ok.

[@bxnny0374]

I've experienced a lot. Nothing has EVER been worse than an*rex*a (censoring for the algorithm). People who haven't been through it don't understand. It is truly a living nightmare to experience. And I didn't even develop it until I was 20. You were just a baby. It's the single hardest thing to talk about, too, imo. I really appreciate how brave you've been in sharing these ultra-personal stories. You make it look easy, but it's not easy at all. EDs are such a raw, primal, physical expression of pain, it's hard to even convert those emotions into words. Let alone share them with the entire world. I don't know how to express the concern and empathy I feel, especially to a stranger through a KZbin comment. I know that's not even what you want, you're just trying to help people. But I don't have anything insightful to say, I can't think about anything else but how strongly I feel for you. Your stories are devastating. The whole time I've been watching I just keep thinking on a loop: You could have DIED. I'm so glad you're alive.

[@PeppaTeaPig]

Modeling and acting have so many parallels. When your body is your product, especially at a young age, it definitely changes your relationship with yourself, unfortunately not often in a constructive way. I love the path you're taking us down, Alyson. Each episode is building a foundation for the next, incredible job! ❤

[@RissaRay14]

I feel like these podcasts are incredibly humanizing. Us “average” people often forget that celebrities also can struggle with the same things we struggle with. As someone who has experienced the binge and then the exercise purge- it’s exhausting and unbelievably hard to change your mindset. I am so proud of you for sharing this vulnerable part of yourself with us all. You are so special 🩷

[@abell5028]

I appreciate this video

[@dereklarberg6357]

This was very enlightening especially tying the eating disorders as being a form of PTSD. It is truly amazing that you are able to so openly share struggles you have had where many people would sweep things like this deep under the rug. Sorry you had to go through this in a culture that seems to almost encourage these situations and more sorry that you faced it almost all alone. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to next weeks episode

[@maddiejoy6619]

I was a very tall early bloomer as a child. I was bigger than everyone my age (and usually older kids too). People blame Barbie for impacting body image, but Barbie wasn't real and my age. So many girls on TV were my age and way thinner than I was. Of course, as an adult, I understand how problematic that was and how awful these girls' lives were behind the scenes. As a kid I was like "She's 12? I'm 11 and I'm way bigger than she is." Even though Raven was still on Disney Channel periodically, I was more into Hannah Montana. Those girls were itty bitty and several years older than me. I now shudder to think of what was happening to them and what kind of intense pressure they were under. Miley, in particular, has talked about some of her difficult experiences on the show. But, as a kid, I just saw girls with "better" bodies than mine who got to have this super fun job (that clearly wasn't actual work at all). As an adult, I don't envy their childhoods at all.

[@oooh19]

Some might be naturally built the way they were. With height you can’t do anything about it

[@CandyWorld30]

An eating disorder sounds so much like OCD but with the obsessions being about food

[@Kimberly34584]

Many people with eating disorders have comorbid mental health conditions and OCD is a commonly co-occurring disorder

[@owenwalker1350]

10:55 to 11:27 Such a complicated aspect of society so beautifully explained. Wow.

[@Goldiibug]

I'm so happy you were able to obtain the resources needed to help yourself heal from all the negativity surrounding your body image. It reminds me how I've always been underweight. I was never truly taught what a healthy meal looks like and I really don't like cooking so instead of eating I just skip meals. It's nothing new to me. I grew up poor so we'd skip meals often. A lot of times they'd consist of a simple box or can of food. Long story short my body is attacking itself from the inside. The few foods I used to eat now make me physically sick. Needless to say I eat even less. I know I need help but trying to find a dietitian or nutritionist in my area is proving impossible. Then there's the issue of how much it's going to cost and if I can even afford it. It's frustrating that people who don't have a lot of money or resources rarely get the help they need. Our society is broken in so many ways.

[@Yeodoongiiie]

it's so hard to listen to other people's ED stories. it is always heartbreaking. i remember this mentality so so well. i have such a similar ED story. i don't know how many years you suffered. i suffered for 7. it is wonderful that you healed and didn't lose your life. but it feels like you lost years to this disease right. i remember seeing pictures of myself from the time, and i all i saw in the photo is i remember exactly what i was thinking of on that day. some ed related issues or OCD pain. thanks for sharing your story. hopefully this specific episode can help someone going through it right now, maybe take their first step towards recovery. 💕

[@feebieloo]

How you are able to pack so much information, and so well said, with so much compassion within a 20 minute timeframe is incredible. I hope you are extremely proud of the work you are doing, all these topics are so very important to actually talk about. I appreciate your head-on approach and that you do not walk on eggshells around difficult topics and societal taboos. Thank you again for all your hard work and for sharing your stories. This series has been so valuable to me and I'm sure many other people as well!

[@ebonyalexis32]

I love seeing your personality. Im so happy you are spreading your knowledge because your voice was very much meant to be heard. Somehow , as a theatre kid , band kid, choir kid and dancer, this is very therapeutic. Thank you , and thank God for the anon meeting y'all had. The waves you are making are incredible.

[@Haleymelynn77]

This conversation has been so healing for me, a non-actor. I appreciate you and your dedication to this important message.

[@helainabeauty]

You are the first celebrity to ever mention binge eating -- it's genuinely so crazy how parallel our experiences with it were and it is so eye opening to know that even though I thought I was alone, I wasn't.

[@cozyfloret]

I'm so sorry that you and so many child actors were going through this behind the scenes. It truly breaks my heart. And thank you for sharing your story. I imagine it must've taken a lot to get to the point where you felt okay enough to share these hard times in your life. Esp with so much detail. I know the smallest things can be triggering, even if you've been out of the lifestyle for years. I hope this series and everything you are doing can help change things for future children that want to act in the industry. No child should ever have to go through these things, famous or not. Sadly, I feel like the standards of beauty and how you look have just gotten so much worse with the rise of social media and how easy it is to become famous via TikTok or KZbin. Thrown into the spotlight overnight cause your video went viral. I'm honestly so worried for the current generation of kids. 😔

[@andrealalaa]

It’s crazy because I used to be so jealous of you when I was a kid because you were so cool and I felt like you were so lucky to be cute and talented ❤ I love that u are sharing this with us today because it’s shows a reality that the medias and the hands who control us won’t show❤️ you lifted a vail to show the realness of the human experience thank u for sharing and being a real person❤️ I wish more celebrities would do the same and stop cultivating the illusion of unrealistic perfection and stop destroying our vulnerable kids minds. so sad.thank u again ❤ hope u see this ❤

[@futuremayqueen]

can't remember the last time i recommended a show so much. to everyone i talk to. for so many reasons.

[@LuciaTepperBeauty]

Not sure if you'll see this but you releasing this has given me such a powerful tool to heal from being on the viewers side of the beauty standards trauma. I've started to realize as celebrities come out with their stories that the beauty standard I got sick trying to achieve was all just a lie. You were just the same girls, just like me, but having to perpetuate the cycle of toxic and dangerous standards. It was all just smokes and mirrors, for all of us. It wasn't achievable- the people that I thought were effortlessly achieving such standards were actually dying, like I would later be in order to meet said standards. This podcast is helping people heal their own childhood selves. Thank you!

[@anastasiagirl1342]

15:30 Alyson, I hope you took some time to recover after sharing this. It must of been incredibly difficult to film, edit, and now release this. Thank you for sharing your story, don’t forget to prioritize your recovery as well. ❤

[@MaddieMagdaleneMusic]

I’m commenting on every video in the series after watching in full. A truly incredible feat to get all of this important information and life experience out to us. Needs way more views and I sincerely hope this is the start of a u-turn on what hollywood, media and social media has done to children and innocence itself.

[@annaward1923]

Wow. I’ve had many people share their experiences with ED and recovery with me. I don’t think I’ve ver had it described in such a logical, narrative, helpful way. My empathy for this thing has grown. Thank you for that.

[@amylin5062]

I am so sorry for what you went through, and it’s wonderful that you’re healing. As a Christian, yes, I know that God is greater than any trauma we endure. It’s also important to get help outside of the church when necessary; nobody in their right mind would tell someone who just broke their leg to “just pray”. Recovering from EDs and/or other mental illnesses takes a lot of time and effort, and support from qualified people who can really help. Thank you for this series and sharing your stories. Peace.

[@SAIL0RMARZ]

Wow, i’m so sorry to hear about the eating disorders.

[@1love847]

This is evevrything i have thought and felt as a young performer and why i didnt pursue it farther as an adult. My fears were actually a protective mechanism for me and today i am legutablmately grateful from what it saved me from

[@rachelrumker3240]

Yes to addressing the harmful ideologies in fundamental christianity 🙌🏻

[@SwimSweetie100]

Therapists say that childhood fame is actually a trauma. I feel for these kids. When I was young, I wanted to be on tv and be famous. Now as an adult, I could never imagine ever allowing my children to pursue it and I’m glad I never got the chance to either

[@TaylorrTaylorr]

Alyson I cannot even begin to explain how much my heart breaks for you. You are so strong and resilient, and I am so sorry you went through all of this. Thank you for representing young girls in this way. These conversations should have been had decades ago, but I am so glad you are finally bringing these issues to light. KZbin for now, Hulu, HBO, and Netflix documentaries coming soon. Stand your ground! You are power!

[@ZMS463]

I love how elegantly and raw you express yourself and your experiences. I am glad God helped you in those times, and as a Christian myself, I appreciate how you explained your experience with your church in a respectful manner. God will always love you. Thank you for creating and sharing these videos. It is so insightful for many generations of people and those who, although not in Hollywood themselves, have had similar difficulties in their personal lives. Thank you for your work. I wish you nothing but the best in life. 🙏🏻💞

[@victoriaskully]

Really like your podcast. So sorry for what you went through. It's crazy as kids we watch and idolize our fav childhood actors/actresses not having any idea what b.s. they go through. 😢❤❤❤

[@AmaindeJH]

And I’ve always wondered about the sidekick thing. I’m currently rewatching Full House and it’s pure gold, though I know several of those child actors grew up to struggle with all of the issues you’re talking about. But there is some incredible acting done by the sidekick characters and once the show ended, they were all but forgotten. Sad. But maybe lucky for them that they got the rest of their childhoods at least.

[@mimishkaz]

I'll never understand why we get trigger warnings for eating disorders but not stories of domestic abuse. Everything Allison mentioned about domestic abuse is triggering for me as well, but as a society we don't get trigger warnings for those. This is nothing bad on Allison, btw, I love your series and enjoy every episode. Ex: Princess Diana's eating disorder on episodes of Netflix's The Crown gave a TW, but then Netflix didn't give a TW for the scenes of domestic abuse in Stranger Things when we learn more about Max and Billy's family background. It's just weird to me.

[@victoriashoupe3135]

There’s usually content warnings for domestic abuse. Maybe Alyson just didn’t catch that & it slipped her mind. There should be a warning for that tho 100%

[@victoriashoupe3135]

It could be because she had a whole segment & went very in depth with her ED & it was a brief mention of her childhood.

[@bubbiccino]

I’m still getting used to the idea of people adding trigger warnings 😅 It’s something that is so necessary but has only recently? been implemented more (as far as I’ve seen). Before that, it was just know what you’re getting into or deal with it 😑

[@lydia1634]

As far as I understand it, trigger warnings for EDs are especially important because comparison and specific reminders of concepts are a big part of struggling with the disorder. Like, an alcoholic at a certain point in recovery for alcohol needs to stay away from places where alcohol is readily available. Any discussions of specific restrictions or numbers or ED strategies can be the same thing as an open bar. Obviously, if someone has horrible experiences with domestic abuse and PTSD from that time it's hard to listen to details. But it's in a different category than ensuring someone in recovery from an addiction is able to stay in recovery. Not that one is easier than the other, but they have different strategies for healing.

[@rosegroshek1218]

Quite honestly though, it's not someone's responsibility to constantly watch after everyone's trauma and triggers. If you continue to get triggered by a strangers videos, you need to get further help and not rely on just not being triggered

[@esm1817]

Alyson, I feel fascinated by your simultaneous experiences with religion and ED. I know that there are a lot of people who don't love organized religion. That is understandable, but at the end of the day sometimes a person just needs a little something extra to hold onto. Call it a crutch, but if it keeps you from falling...? I'm religious myself, and find a lot of comfort in it. But yeah, being religious alone doesn't constitute a complete set of coping strategies for life. I'm not certain it was meant to, and it's unfortunate that religious people sometimes make it sound like faith is the only tool you'll ever need. ❤ In addition, life is a challenge for everyone and sometimes being a person of faith is very difficult. It confronts you with some difficult questions when life feels awful. Even when you have a belief system to give you some strength, and it actually does. Still difficult.

[@gabriellelee4558]

I never knew that obsession with "healthy" eating was disordered eating--and that makes so much sense, now. I'm 99% sure that my mother suffers from this as a reaction to her own PTSD/C-PTSD. That's fucking rough, and also reinforces my need to not see her anymore. She's tried to pass that mentality onto me, my spouse, my kids, and that's 100% not okay to put on someone else. Thank you for identifying it as such.

[@zairehaylock4974]

I love your new videos, Alyson. ❤

[@nicolestefankofuentes1193]

Alyson is BRILLIANT. This work is so important for child actors and the kids who admire them. Children always get the brunt of any societal oppression.

[@jennanetroe607]

Growing up with a lot of trauma, but not a child star, so much of the topics covered are things I’ve been discovering in my own development. It’s clear fame is harmful in ways we don’t understand/acknowledge.

[@ZombieLux]

I appreciate your series, and I am proud of you for being honest about your experiences. I saw the Camp Rock tour in concert, and it was your birthday the day of the show. The whole crowd sang happy birthday! I remember thinking at the time how cool it must have felt to have so many people there who supported you for your birthday. Retroactively, now as an adult and hearing your story, it feels a bit somber. A crowd of preteens screaming happy birthday, while you actively were overworked and struggling with your mental and physical heath. Even for the other cast members, like how Demi has been open about their struggles during that time too. I as a child fan looked up to you, and the other cast as aspirational, but in reality the industry has more harm than good for minors. I am looking forward to the rest of the series. Great work! ❤

[@talishatirado7170]

I'm hooked on this series, thank you for talking about this and breaking it down exactly how u do.

[@CarlosNeiraSoy]

I mean... I saw all the five episodes in hours. I'm mesmerized how you explain things to make it easy to understand. I'm so sorry that you have to take a lot in your plate. But I'm happy that somebody like you stands up for the future children. You are amazing, Alyson.

[@makennafreeman4398]

Alyson, this series is so eye opening and hearing you so eloquently and sincerely discuss these topics, it broke through the cloud of normalcy that my brain had accepted towards child actors. Yeah, I always thought it was very strange, but a lot of times, I never put THAT much thought into it (I know that sounds awful, but I know is still true for a lot of the population). I was a huge fan of you growing up (turning 30 soon), and to hear the stories of what happened behind the scenes actually made me feel so very disturbed. I feel like this is so applicable to family vlog channels and how popular they are, I really hope that everyone watches your series, and starts to speak up for minors that are in front of a camera. Thank you for sharing your story and shedding light on this.

[@mariahzervos]

I admire this series so much!!! You are absolutely killing it

[@amandanoelle734]

Thank you for talking so openly about EDs! The shame we carry from them is too much, these conversations save lives. The work you're doing with this series has me so impressed and INSPIRED. Thank you, Alyson 💜💙

[@makemesomecoffee7821]

As a kid struggling with their facial appearance, I vow to never let my insecurities get to me to where I put myself in danger. I'm so grateful for my parents, they won't let me say a single thing about how ugly I am. They assure me everytime that I am beautiful. I honestly don't see it, but I am grateful for their comforting manner and am sooo lucky to have them. That last part has to be the saddest thing I've ever typed. Nobody should be considered lucky to have good parents because everyone needs parents who support them, hold them accountable if need be, and are a shoulder to cry on.

[@blasphemygalaxy]

alyson i am devastated that i am caught up with this series!! i can’t wait for the next episode. it is incredibly insightful and well presented

[@TheVideogirl9]

Thank you for episode, Alyson

[@sarahturner886]

I have battled with eating disorders my whole life and it is exceptionally difficult to come out of. I have swung from both ends of the ED spectrum and I never had anything close to the pressures and expectations you've had pushed onto you. You are so worthy of time and attention no matter what size you are. You are so real for opening up about all of this, and I am so grateful to be able to see this. Thank you for sharing this information in a safe and compassionate way. I'm watching every week because I adore learning. Seriously, thank you.

[@JustAGirl8242]

this series is SO important. i hope it changes the hollywood landscape forever. what an eye opening journey so far, can’t wait to see where else you will go! thanks alyson

[@elenamedina9013]

The series is very informative, I love it ! The way that you have put this together is on another level. Considering that you have been in the entertainment industry, I appreciate how you won’t let your personal bias get in the way. Thank you for taking the time to provide an educational series with a different perspective and for letting us ( the viewers) in!

[@tryinmyhardest]

I’ve been loving this series so much!

[@user-rq4rt3ti8l]

Amazing. Been looking forward to a new episode. This is so well done. Thanks Alyson.

[@Esterferreiradecastro]

Even though im not a performer this one relates way too much with me, the amount of suffering we as women go through just because of the shape of our bodies is demonic Did not know you were religious that was very interesting to hear how it gave you hope through all of that, cause even though i am also christian it hardly helped me enough with the depression and all other psychological difficulties, its just numb like everything else

[@boochy115]

Thank you for continuing to fight this fight and deliver the message with such eloquence and grace. This is excellent work you're doing!

[@Pixaley]

Your voice has value, integrity, and wisdom. Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[@gGadget]

Thanks for another episode!

[@zoeollie202]

I’m happy that you acknowledged that binge eating was a response that although really hit your fear in your eating disorder was something your body really needed. I think a lot of peoples struggle with those feelings implanted in us. I didn’t eat enough in my teens. When I had enough food at home and are to my comfort level I remember my mom telling me and giving me looks that I would eat evening in the house and we would have an empty house. So I just stopped eating meals when I was 1/3rd full and would steal any cliff bar like thing in sight and hide them around my room so if I was starving I may just “happen upon one”. I was anemic, low bone density, light headed. When I started eating again my stomach was a black hole. It was like that for over a year, maybe even a couple. At first I thought “I deserve this, to treat myself, to eat” but I months in N I N started crying all the time wondering why I would binge an entire pizza and still be hungry, as time went on I became disgusted with myself for being always so hungry. I’ve always been afraid of being useless, or a burden, or disabled (I was in my teens, and my parents always talked about making sacrifices for me) I felt like I was about to count every dollar that went into feeding me. It took me like four years to settle down, to feel like I could trust that there would still be food. Always cycling between not eating and trying to save messily left overs to eating my fridge. Eating and self worth are so intertwined. I didn’t think about wanting to be tinker but everything you said about abuse at home and wanting a sense of control and convincing yourself it’s about “peak health and performance” really resonated in my body.

[@symbioticmango]

this series is a godsend, the critical thoughtfulness everyone is putting into this pod is wonderful.

[@DIYCSI]

This segment in particular reminded me of a lot of feelings I had growing up in Hollywood. My whole family works in the industry at various levels (primarily behind the scenes), and I never had a desire or option to be a child actor- however as the kid of industry people I was often around industry kids and young adults who having lived abroad experience similar to Alyson’s were very aware of their bodies, their food intake, and were commonly making comments to me in these ‘private’ settings that created a weird sense of body awareness which was not wholly positive.

[@transmaniandevil]

thank you Alyson for being so honest and vulnerable with your story!

[@KatMatthews91]

I listen with respect and no judgment. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@allbecauseofbecca769]

I just want to say that I am so happy to are breaking down the walls. Especially the way you share it - vulnerable, informative, and silly sometimes. It has kept me engaged and sharing it all over

[@ladylavender93]

I'm in love with this series, thank you for putting it out. You have so much courage. Everything you said so far is so concise and backed up by facts and personal experiences. Just amazing. ❤❤❤

[@sopranosinger]

I suffer from a eating disorder I was diagnosed with atypical anorexia. I had to go to rehab while pregnant with my son not easy so I can relate, it wasn't easy to overcome matter of fact, I will always have it but like Demi I have to not look at food as a enemy but survival. I hate eating disorders exist since it can hurt or kill you, I would tell anyone suffering from it, you can recover from it and survive it. I did and yes I still have a eating disorder but I am trying to overcome it, ptsd is the primary cause for most eating disorders but at the end of the day you can change thank you Allison for talking about this topic ❤

[@sopranosinger]

I just love this series I applaud everyone that has been through similar experiences and made it through it or trying to make it through, Allison you are a strong, attractive, beautiful woman that you turned out to become, I love how you are able to share personal stories and traumas to help others and to also help yourself. From everyone here thank you 😊 🙏 From the bottom of my ❤️

[@NailaShuja]

Man! You are extremely well spoken, and this series truly does give an insight! I hope there is more transparency for child actors to get their rights and their parents to be involved in a much healthier way. All praises for this series. This isn’t entertainment- it’s infotainment which actually hits home on certain points. Kudos. Sending lots of love from pakistan!

[@alexipacquin]

I’m having on your every word. You have so much knowledge and care for a better change! This is so incredibly well made!

[@A.girl.has.no-name]

This one hit home. Sending love to everyone out there struggling with an ED.

[@selispeks]

Thank you for being so vulnerable and true to yourself and humanity ❤

[@cafeykokoa]

I've been watching these episodes. Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for the invitation to curiously listen, to spread awareness and not chaos. Thank you, thank you ❤

[@jackieskellie]

Alyson, I want to commend you for the work you’re doing in this series. You speak so eloquently of your past experiences and I admire your poise. Your determination to do this story justice is so apparent. I am listening. As a fellow sufferer of CPTSD, I also want to thank you for sharing this story unflinchingly. I appreciate that you are not sugar-coating this to make it more palatable for a larger audience. I recently published my first book about my childhood trauma and I’m trying to be brave too. Thank you.

[@BrianaLynn7]

The baggage I bring to this discussion is that I have always been fat. Obese. Huge. Genuinely big. And seeing “thin” (by any degree) celebrities constantly on screen made me feel like crap. I realize that most celebrities feel a pressure to be thin, even thinner than what’s safe, and then tabloids calling them fat for being normal obviously hurts them but nobody talks about how it hurts actual fat people. In general we are growing as a society and I am learning that it isn’t thin people’s fault for my pain it is societies and we need to all come together to fix everything about body image.

[@daniellesaunders3798]

Me too, sister ❤ I've "yoyoed' My whole life and am currently on the up and up...and up. I remember I used to watch TV with almost a constant resentment to the fact that I was acutely aware how over weight I was (Though it really wasn't that bad as a child, there were discussions amongst adults around my eating habits and body that made me waaaayyy more self conscious than I shouldve been) while I would simultaneously resent anyone thinner. Interesting fact- all people with all types of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia, have found support, relief, and freedom in OA- overeaters anonymous. Here's to the healing of our hurting society 🥂 (or maybe I should just cheer to apples instead? 🍎🤔😆🤷‍♀️)

[@savannahdenny1644]

so beautifully structured, discussed, and even designed. you are killing this podcast.

[@Lianmaluga]

Well, spoken, truthful, painful discussions. I commend you for your willingness to share. It’s not as easy as it seems keep up the good work!

[@EmilylovesParamore]

I loved you so much on Disney and it breaks my heart that you were going through all of this. Thank you for having the courage to share everything now and help bring awareness to what happens behind the scenes. Love you always ♥️

[@kevinhowe6307]

Thank you for making these videos Alyson, I grew up with you! :) Much love from TN!

[@camillemarie_23]

Thank you for sharing this. Another great episode as always. Being a competitive figure skater for 20 years (and having also coached skaters and tutored homeschooled skaters for many years) I’ve seen many go through similar experiences. Fortunately many of them have since gone through treatment. In hindsight it’s so scary to think how I would see these kids every day and not know what was going on because they became so good at hiding their disorder.

[@bill578]

Wow, Alyson thank you so much for sharing this. I hope this is healing for you to speak. As a fellow ED survivor, this was very impactful for me. Candid conversations about what it's actually like to live with an ED and how your body reacts are hard to come by, and I have missed many of the red flags in myself at points as the illness has quietly taken over. The only way to change is to educate and I'm ever grateful for your energy in sharing your story to educate others about all of these issues, and especially about this very serious and deadly illness.

[@souplessbeing]

alyson this series is so eye opening. i remember as a kid i would get so excited when i would see that you were in something new. you're only a couple of years older than me and i can identify with a few things you've spoken about, but even after watching this i cannot fathom dealing with those things with these immense pressures on top. you are doing a great job. thank you for being so open 💖

[@manasamamillapalli9390]

Much love and strength to you ❤ Thank you for your KZbin series!

[@juliebv1]

The high quality of this series is so impressive. Thank you for sharing.

[@chicchica44]

You’re killing it! Love this content and specifically your openness!

[@lizziefreshhh]

You are so incredibly well spoken and I thank you for sharing your stories. It’s like you’re breaking the 4th wall for us and it’s enlightening.

[@sarahstewart4987]

YESSSSS I love you for this. Every episode gets better.

[@ElizabethNicoleSchwartz]

Thank you for being so open and honest wirh us once again. I'm sure talking about some of the things you've been through can't be easy. And I'm sorry there's some people being genuinely horrible in this comment section, I'm glad most are positive but i wish all could be.

[@ElleMcLemore]

Thank you so much Alyson. ❤