Freddie Flintoff reveals the eating disorder he has kept secret for over 20 years - BBC

[@AlisonChrista]

I’m glad more men athletes and celebrities are speaking out about it. The less stigma there is, the more help people can get.

[@duncansherman-hailcaesar3513]

James Smith Real men aren’t robots and shouldn’t be shamed by idiots like yourself, bringing political bollocks into it, your obviously mind controlled by the people that think men should be emotionless and cold

[@oned4life717]

Allison I agree with you

[@GeorgiaDCA]

Brave. So brave. Ignorant people will not realize he’s actually saving lives.

[@proudblackwoman4824]

What a an absolutely GORGEOUS man. No one would have ever known. Much respect to him for sharing.

[@Purplelemon5033]

Yes very brave so much stigma to eating disorders especially men and very hard to beat

[@dickrichard626]

I think this is dumb and detracts from reality of people who actually have a problem.

[@Cleaningmovivation]

@@dickrichard626 he not lying

[@danh5637]

Nope. It was fuelled entirely by his own vanity. It is self induced. It’s not a disease. There are people with actual diseases that aren’t self inflicted that are brave and stunning who often don’t make it and don’t get a whine fest of pity on tv

[@lvrm6]

I’m only 14 so I can’t pretend like I’ve been suffering for a while but today (after watching this documentary) i decided to get therapy for my bulimia. honestly don’t think I would have had the guts without watching it so i would seriously recommend to anyone who has an eating disorder. the things he described (like the biting of the hand, the planning and the pinching) made me realise how serious my bulimia was. seriously recommend!!!!!!

[@calyspo4920]

Hey, how are you doing now?

[@HomemakerDaze]

I hope you're getting better. I can relate.

[@HomemakerDaze]

@MACABRE L.A. not that you were talking to me but I'm 1 yr clean and had B couple times beforehand, so yes many people swap one addiction to the next and the weight gain made me want to go back to it tbh but also for the high, the relief of stress and having something to look forward to at night. 12 steps is great if you have a great sponsor, I do although they live far away. Congrats on your recovery journey.

[@marym3355]

Me too, after so many years I need therapy.

[@danielhammond8769]

Amazing ♥️♥️♥️

[@elcasho]

My respect for him has gone up a million percent

[@santjevana8279]

The hardest thing about bulimia is everyone around you thinking you're doing well, but you're too ashamed to tell anyone the truth.

[@PaulHosey-u3l]

You're right. I started there. I told my mom I had an eating disorder and it's not that she didn't care. She actually suspected it before I told her. But after it progressed into anorexia and I became emaciated she was crying and shocked by what she saw. It's not her fault but I remember thinking this is nothing new. They're both pretty bad.

[@flexermc4333]

Eating disorders and bulimia are very real across male athletes or just males in general. You would eat normally and workout well the whole day and all of the sudden you get a mind block during the night to just eat and you can't stop. When you finish you feel so guilty you just purge it out. Mentally draining.

[@marmadukescarlet7791]

And dangerous. There’s no shame in getting treatment. In fact, it takes courage to admit you can’t do it alone.

who cares? they have privileged lives and made the problem themselves. No one in the third world has this made up BS. GET OVER YOURSELF... NO ONE CARES!

[@Name-pq7dn]

Robot Munkee So RUDE

[@otto.joshua]

Robot Munkee I assure you they do. How on Earth is this made up? Are you suggesting he’s lying that he does this?

[@commonwealpanther]

@ no one in the third world has an eating disorder? Eating disorders touch on the very core of humanity - fear and control and shame. These are human emotions. Disordered eating can happen to anyone. In fact, here's a quote from a 2016 report from PubMed, "The prevalence rate of bulimia nervosa in women in Africa is within the range reported for western populations, as well as African Americans and Latin Americans."

[@gb4375]

Absolutely wonderful of FF to share his story. Sending support.

[@themanofthehour5665]

Huge respect to him for speaking out about his illness. The media is a poison to a vulnerable person's mind.

[@ailsa3429]

Already loved FF, now admire him even more for having the guts to confront bulimia and do it publicly too. He'll save a lot of lives doing this. Thanks Freddie!

[@jeffreycarry8276]

How are you doing today Alisa Gall? Its really nice having you on here...I saw your profile on here and i think we definitely are on the same page on many Levels. Trust, Communication, Loving, Honoring, Understanding, Patience and Respecting Your Partner. So crucial to provide balance...

[@molchmolchmolchmolch]

Thank you to Mr. Flintoff first and foremost but also the BBC for putting this out there.

[@neversaw]

I was a strength and conditioning coach specialising in cricket performance then faced up to my ED went into hospital and fought to recover. Then went on to complete another degree in psychology and specialising in eating disorders. Since I opened up to people about my own disorder I've had so many male friends tell me about their secret bulimia. This is so much more common than we know and considering the high mortality of eating disorders how many of these male suicides are to do with an eating disorder and we just don't realise. I'm so so impressed by Freddie doing this

[@commonwealpanther]

This is a strong brave thing you've done. You deserve to be happy and healthy. You're not alone, but we all get stronger when someone stands up and tells their truth.

[@jennigee51]

The press is just awful! There’s a great deal that they’re responsible, and should be held responsible for! I stopped reading newspapers much after Hillsborough and haven’t read one for at least 25 years!

[@avrilbowler8755]

Really admire Freddie's courage for speaking openly about Bulimia. I hope that he will get the help he needs to overcome the condition for good. This conversation lwill, I hope, allow so many more people to understand that this condition can be supported and beaten. Great job, Freddie.

[@carlymullen8929]

That's my brother I'm so proud of him we have been to hell and back as a family because of this horrible disorder. To go on national television and speak up is huge. Your not alone please reach out if you need help

[@carlymullen8929]

@Johnny Longshlong yes 😁

[@carlymullen8929]

@Johnny Longshlong thank you so much hes doing really well.

[@Poseidon9k]

He should sue the media for causing him to have a 20 year affliction.

[@0.Silver.0]

I suffered from this for about 1 year, and that was one of the worst years of my life. I somehow convinced myself that it was either bulimia or starving, and if I didn't do either of these I would become obese. I really thought there was no way out. Now, I am fully recovered. Life does have a light, it's hard to find but it is there. 💫💛 Never give up hope.

[@helia7203]

How did u recover im suffering with bulimia right now and as u said for me it is also starving or eating so much and then making myself throw up i need help but im too stubborn to ask for it im scared it’s not a big deal and people are gonna think im looking for attention i really need help and advice on how to get rid of it

[@SusanHopkinson]

Thank you Freddie. It’s time to let yourself cry. All addictive behaviour stems from trauma. Love yourself and heal from the bullying and callousness you experienced. 🙏🏻

[@Ashley-gw9jh]

Thank you for this beautiful comment

[@jnmngaihte8203]

i feel for him, i hope he's okay now

[@henzohewson]

God what an awful condition. My heart goes out to all suffering from bulimia. Even though I can’t possibly know what you are going through, I send my support from Devon.

[@f.w7931]

Mindblowing how brave this great man is! He is definetely saving lives with this video!!

[@lesley-janevanloggerenberg499]

I know exactly how you feel, 41 and going through the exact same thing. I dont know how to stop 😢

[@beebasd5401]

You’re very brave to share your story. I hope this helps others that are struggling too.❤️

[@katebennett4277]

I never use the word bulimia but it has controlled my life since I was 11. I am now 39 and have been hospitalised 3 times on 3 months and I am at risk of a heart attack. Freddie is so brave to speak honestly about this as no one understands.

[@gavg89iiuktvii35]

Your Country Loves You Mr Flintoff ... You've Done Yourself PROUD Over The Years Bringing So Many Happy Memories To Us All ... Thankyou For Blessing Us All With Your Talent ... Thankyou For Been Strong And Helping Others You Are A True Leader 💎🇬🇧💎 God Bless You

[@gabrielcarr1145]

Absolute hero. Very brave and wish him all the best

[@duncansherman-hailcaesar3513]

Gabriel Carr Yeah, this can raise awareness about bulimia not just being a female based thing and help men be heard and not silenced by people who tell them to ‘man up’

[@Joerudel]

You are very brave to address this publicly. You are going to help a lot of people by doing so. I admire your bravery. Your kids need their father healthy. God bless you!

[@prokynledabyl3202]

Huge respect for this brave guy...working hard but also realizing our mistakes are both same relevant skills

[@mikebasil4832]

It’s such a hard thing for me to admit too. Thank you, Freddie, for your courage to share your quite identifiable story.

[@Kathleenpoors]

Brave. You are saving lives

[@ava198]

Youre very brave. I only started being honest about my eating issues. I understand the secrecy behind it the shame. Mine comes from certain things around food that happened as a child I never talked about. Its so hard to be honest about the secret behavior.. its so hard to be honest about our inner self talk and judgments. So Im deeply grateful and impressed by your bravery to share this. Especially for men who suffer from this as well. You are perfect the way you are imperfections and all. Ive gotten now when I hear those judgments in my head or think others are judging me I just say to myself Im beautiful the way I am if you dont like what you see look else where. All these society pressures to be perfect and social media filters and unrealistic airbrush magazines dont help the cause. Thank you for your honesty. I wish you the best on your journey of healing.

[@ava198]

@CNN is Fake News Im glad to hear about the cooking and working on things that help. The self esteem one can be a tricky bit with all these false perfectionist social media pics and advertising.. Ive just gotten to where if someone doesn't like my flaws they can look elsewhere. Im more than my appearance. Im funny sweet caring and thats whats important. For me Im still working out what works for me on the eating disorder. As a child I was starved. Then when there was food I would gorge and then be punished for it. And my grandma in her misguided old world remedies use to treat my stomach aches with ipecac and castor oil. So I find that I fall into familiar patterns of denying.. overeating n punishing myself throwing up or abusing laxatives when I feel a lack of control in my life. So for me Im trying to identify when Im feeling that way. Understanding what things I can control and what things I should surrender too but catching it before it triggers my eating patterns if that makes sense.

[@ava198]

@CNN is Fake News well haha your sense of humor is sexy I love when I can laugh with others. Thats one thing Ive had 2 surrender to. My butt is not in the same place it was when I was 20 and neither is my face. We all get older. I look at older people and I imagine them when they were hawt and wild and I giggle to myself. We all get older. For me I want someone or friends that adore my sense of humor or other quirks .. I dont have time for people that want my butt to be comparable to a 20 yr olds.. they can just go chase them.. Id rather make room in my life for those that find me beautiful just as I am.. you should too .. youre 1 of a kind so dont compare yourself to others :)

[@Ivailiza]

Thank you for being brave and sharing your story lots of people have suffered from it you’re not alone ❤

[@JoeyChoppy]

I had On and off periods of purging but cannot stop eating and I feel like I’m always being watched because of my weight and it’s awful.

[@BTA08]

Same here.

[@stellatmv3736]

Thank U for your honesty and bravery. You do help people speaking out loud. Wish you All the Best!!

[@ffionrees8042]

I finally got round to watching this the other day- I’ve always loved Fred but I have so much respect for him for speaking out about this 💖 not only is this documentary brave on his behalf but it’s going to save so many lives - it’ll hopefully encourage people to seek help. He’s so honest and open about it despite how hard a subject it is to talk about - I hope he does decide to get help himself

[@heekyunglim7839]

I respect those who are honest. There are so many who can relate. Don't be afraid or shamed by society's narrow mindset.

[@wasterdays]

makes me feel less alone ❤

[@ajakuk1]

Thank you sir for sharing your story. I'm sorry you have suffered this. ❤❤

[@luvhart]

Breaks my heart…..I hope this documentary helped many to reach out

[@snookiebellpepper]

Thank you for this! I been bulimic for 8 years and it's the most difficult habit to brake! Sending good vibes ✨️

[@barnzYT]

This just proves what the media can do to peoples lives

[@bunny-kq7ps]

So proud of him for speaking out

[@Ashley-gw9jh]

Thank you for sharing awareness. I felt like it was only me

[@tinstasr]

Was always a fan Freddie, even more so now. Kia kaha.

[@mariastewart6661]

I’m 39 and suffered with binge eating/ bulimia since I was 8/9 years old, I tried to get help but feel like it’s something I have to live with now, I have lost and gained weight so rapidly over and over again it’s soul destroying It feel like a really bad coping mechanism I can’t break I go to the gym, I train and do cardio, ran half marathons and triathlons but all to counteract the binges. I just feel like I’m not good enough or never doing enough, everything I do is extreme. It makes me deeply unhappy when outside I look like I’m really happy and I love helping others just not myself 😢

[@kelleymasters1522]

I love his open and honest. It is important for other people going through it to know there not a lone. went through it when I was younger.

[@annalawrence6084]

Thank you so much for speaking up and sharing

[@dinodogstar]

It's great that you've spoken about this, Freddie. ..... If there's any young men or teenage boys reading this, know that there is no assumptions made about your sexuality, gender identity or some assumed perspective of your masculinity within the eating disorder treatment community. ....... It's tragically true and well known that the fear of being perceived as gay, gender-differing or a lack-of-masculinity keeps many young men and teenage guys from seeking treatment, even self-identifying themselves as having the problem.

[@sharonmullins1957]

What an amazing guy. To come out and discuss this issue is great. Good you...........

[@maricarmenbuenomunoz7792]

I have just finished his booked and he talked about the feelings he had when he did this documentary and the reasons so I thought I´d like to watch it.

[@mariongrantham7914]

Thank you for sharing. It took much courage, and your battle inspires.

[@Atykifobia]

Power to this person. Thank you for sharing this, even though it was and is hard 🙏

[@skar5541]

Top man. Thank you for everything. Love from Chorley, Lancashire

[@naceves111]

In 2019 I was around 280 lbs. That was pretty much the lowest point in my health. Ever since, I've lost an incredible amount of weight and I'm currently at 153. If I'm being totally honest though I didn't lose weight the right way. I did exercise but very minimally. What I ended up doing was lots of fasting and fat burning pills. For anyone reading this, please take care of your body. I don't want anyone to end up in the shoes that I was once in. It's sad and hard to recover from.

[@icturner23]

We don't really know what those weights mean, but it is certainly a big drop. Well done for being able to achieve it but it indeed sounds like a method that could strain your body. I hope it is not too much and that you are in consultation with a health professional. Good luck.

[@moodyjenny86]

@@icturner23 he literally said he didn't lose weight the right way....and starved, used diet pills, etc. This is part of the problem. No one takes boys and men seriously with eating disorders. My husband was anorexic when I met him. He never hid it though. People would ask how he lost weight and he'd tell them he stopped eating. People would laugh, thinking it was a joke- or not believe him. OR in some cases they would give him a pat on the pack and tell him great job, keep it up. A girl does the same thing ? Everyone freaks out. My husband's closest friends were about to stage am intervention....because they assumed he was on meth. Not even close.

[@Evan1060]

You are wonderful. Sharing helps you and so many others. Such courage. Thank you!

[@swagmeister5323]

as a bulimic, this is so validating… I’ve often felt I was an impostor…

[@pegschwalbach2500]

Powerful! How difficult that must have been for him, very brave men.

[@Hannahmorgane]

This hits home hard

[@justmadeit2]

He’s a really likeable guy, has been through a lot

[@Woody01_]

Freddie, I’m Collin. I was Bulimic for 4 years. I was hospitalized multiple times, my potassium dropped to dangerous levels and my heart couldn’t beat. Pulled out of highschool to go to a clinic for a year. Being the ONLY MAN… there. It killed me. I recovered, I cried, I worked my ASS off and I became a United States Marine. You are not alone and I love you

[@HomemakerDaze]

Thanks for sharing, I wish you the best! You're helping others.

[@Jasmine02x]

Thank you so much for this

[@casualchaos1006]

My son is a teen athlete and we had to put him in residential treatment for anorexia he almost died and then he was bullied in treatment for being a male and that took its own toll on him and he is struggling so much even now I wish more men would speak out

[@zeekay3205]

In my thoughts and prayers. How has things been going of late? Recovery is not a linear trajectory and it's about progress not perfection. Dealing with this disease, especially when it's your own child, is just scary and heartbreaking. I've seen the hurt and fear in my parents eyes. Now I just keep it secret. It comforts me. I'm not in a life threatening stage at the moment and so I hope I am controlling it, and that it isn't controlling me. Take care. Wishing you all the best. 😊❤🎉

[@Sarah24871]

Kados to this man for speaking out ❤

[@Ronpaul4humanrights]

I do -- I eat without control -- I am sad -- I cannot control my mind & life

[@SusanHopkinson]

Look for “Mindful Eating” and “Savor” two really good books about understanding your relationship to food and yourself 🙏🏻

[@Ronpaul4humanrights]

@@SusanHopkinson Thanks ... Will try ... But am too lazy to read books ... Am a panda who likes to eat, sleep and watch tv

[@Sunny-jy1eq]

My biggest respect to Freddie Flintoff for sharing this long kept secret! It's honest and a great example for so many people out there suffering the same issue. I would have never expected that of him as he comes across as such a confident bloke in public. Sensitive but with a lot of self-esteem and a fabulous sense of humour. It proves that the public image is only a little part of somebody... I'm stunned that the press bullied Freddie so much. As a German I learned more about cricket only a few years ago. But the one thing that was said to me, why cricket is such a great sport, was that it's done respectfully and that it's even possible for people with some more weight to play good and even great cricket. That it's more about technique and mind set... That was actually one of the messages that made me become more interested in cricket. Before I found it pretty boring: men that stand or sit around for ages without anything happening ;) was new to me... I am disappointed that also in this sport the athletes get pushed into this zone of discomfort so much that an actual mental disorder is the outcome... Freddie Flintoff please keep following this path of learning more about your disorder and even more about yourself and how you can breakthrough all the mechanisms which led you to harm yourself. At the end it's all you do with bulimia. You strain your own body, soul and mind; your own capital to live your life in this world. Nobody will thank you for this once your body may suffer from subsequent damages... Especially not your work field. It never does to anybody, doesn't matter what the issue is. This is a great step to get back the control of your own life primarily for yourself, then for your children as you said. Going public and helping others can give your path a purpose to keep following it. Freddie Flintoff you are a valuable human being with your kind personality and character, with all your flaws - we all have them. Take care!

[@annabananamusic9072]

Sitting in the train and think or feel everyone’s looking at you! Could not relate more to that comment!

[@Jcaracap1]

Thank You!!!!!

[@Melow55]

I feel so lost. I have been binge eating 3 -4 times a day , it's getting so out of control. I can't even look at myself anymore. I feel disgusted. He broke up with me after 5 years of relationship and I couldn't share my feelings with anyone and kept eating non stop , gained 8 kga in 3 months and I take laxative after eating. I don't know how to stop.

[@majkel2720]

i'm really sorry you are going though this Freddie. i also am and i also don't cry but maybe that's a part of the problem.

[@HomeFromFarAway]

people who never cry (I have been one) very, very often are controlling so many parts of themselves and their lives that those emotions and grief are simply not allowed to exist. The moment that armour comes off the tears can hit so hard

[@jessbirmingham889]

Greatest respect for this guy... Always loved Freddie Flintoff 🙏💜💜

[@muslimworldtv8017]

Its a heart touching store

[@sodacloda]

It effects him and his family , purging is emotionally draining and takes its toll , feeling guilt about eating and shameful about your body is soul distroying, it's a cycle of hungry and gult and means your are not present with others ever , Preoccupation with body image is exhausting. He is also anorexia as he is starving and over exercising . He needs help and what a brave soul to share this .

[@beastyboyBlue]

Thank you Freddie,you're very brave,well done you! You will save other people from your bravery!👏⭐️👏⭐️

[@AutumnHaunts]

I’ve been bulimic on and off for over a decade. It is so addicting and so so hard to break free from the cycle. I was diagnosed with anorexia binge/purge subtype once I became underweight. You get to eat all the junk food you could possibly want and not have to worry about gaining weight, and this is one of many reasons why it’s so hard to stop. I am 100% addicted to ultra-processed food. I crave it like a drug, and I can’t talk to anyone about it unless I want to be looked at like I’m a disgusting pig.

[@icturner23]

I know it's not the point but he looks so hot in this trailer. Beautiful man.

[@proudblackwoman4824]

He sure is. I would marry him! lol

[@yiasminathefangirl]

this is how we can stop the stigma! men are humans with feelings, emotions and insecurities..glad somebody influential like this is taking a step forward❤️

[@HauntedTube00]

I feel his pain. I’ve been doing better with my issues

[@dinodogstar]

Thank you for talking about it. It matters.

[@dinodogstar]

I'm not sure how to even approach the side issue, but I've known plenty of men who are heterosexual but who've chosen not to seek help because of the perception that men with the illness are gay or bi, and for the more suffocating reason, that it's associated with women and with the beauty world, so to say you have an ED is to say to some, wrongly, you have a 'feminine" problem, whatever your sexuality is aside, if that makes sense.

[@JoJo-vg9sj]

Brave! So brave. I hope he recover. He CAN beat this

[@angiemarieritchie8461]

Freddie your a lovely man must be hard for him bless him xxx

[@lynnepaquette4124]

i'm so sorry, hon you're not alone.

[@Jules.Kami123]

I would give this a thousand likes if I could.

[@alibakarin702]

I struggled the same thing growing up as a ternage boy, I always think about weight every seconds, I feel like people judging/looking at me all the time when they dont. But it all resulted when I gained weight and people made comment about me.

[@PaulHosey-u3l]

I try keeping it secret but at a certain point people can tell. But I'm not bulimic. I'm anorexic. Although years ago I used to binge and purge so I understand that as well.

[@apinderrai9131]

Aah thankyou so much you are so ooooo brave I’ve been battling for years and can relate so much and I’m a women and no one that hasn’t been through it really cannot and will not understand and now I’m born again Christian I cry to the lord for deliverance from the demons that influences me and my fears in my body I pray this will be more spoken about that many could be freed 🙏🏻

[@sarahtushemereirwetwine3722]

Thank you

[@steve3585]

Legend - men suffer like this in silence

[@rangerannie5636]

I'm always amazed at how bulimics get away with having a secret eating disorder. If you're not noticeably underweight people don't look twice.

[@hayden.76.k19]

i feel where he’s coming from it’s so hard to see your self the way you are when you were 450 pounds and now 175 i just hate myself

[@se7encureton]

Iv had a strange thing since I was a kid where I don’t like to eat aRound ppl. It’s a strange characteristic...

[@KiwiHobbitful]

Love you mate

[@millaaaaa]

i think i have bulimia and i’m scared i don’t know what to do

[@someonesomewhere278]

I’m really afraid because I’m struggling with same issue right now and honestly don’t know how it gonna end… :)

[@mariecollins5762]

So sad I feel for him irl

[@saadrehman6760]

Freddie you're the best !!

[@injunsun]

Begorah, man. There's no shame in having an illness. Our brains are organs, like any other. My heart aches for your suffering. I wish you nothing but peace, and safety, health, and healthy longevity.

[@AngelicusImmortus]

Legend forever

[@natesloungee]

Bulimia is no joke. I'm a 29 year old male who has had issues with bulimia for 11 years now. Growing up, I was overweight and got made fun of. To this day, I still feel the same way, like people are looking at me and judging me on my weight. Lately, I have been going back to the gym and ao far I've lost 15 lbs in three weeks, meal prepping and just eating less. I will say though, eating less has made it harder for me, since when I tend to eat a lot, I feel guilty and...you know the rest. I am thankfully going to a psychiatrist and taking medication (for OCD, Anxiety and Depression), so next session, I plan on bringing that up. Just remember, there is help. You deserve to love yourself for who you are. Don't let your mind tell you otherwise, even though it is hard to not believe those intrusive thoughts. Believe me, I know it all too well.