This article contains references to body dysmorphia and eating disorders.
Demi Moore has spoken of the immense pride she feels for her daughter Tallulah Willis after the fashion designer shared a glimpse of the horrific, body-shaming messages she receives on social media.
Willis, who is the daughter of Moore and Bruce Willis, took to Instagram on Tuesday (16th May) to share the comments she'd received from a troll, who had replied to several of her Instagram Stories to accuse her of getting “fat again” – a particularly vicious comment given how open Willis has been about surviving body dysmorphia and an eating disorder.
Willis wrote, “I think it’s important to share this, that this happens, that this happens to a healing person in recovery, who has been honest about how very sick she was/is and is working daily to find safety and home within her skin.”
Moore then showed her support by commenting, “I am so proud of you! People often can only reflect their own fear. Be you in all your forms and keep shining your gorgeous glorious light!”
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Willis has previously discussed the harsh impact that growing up in the spotlight had on her body image.
Back in 2021, she wrote on Instagram about her battle with body dysmorphic disorder – described by the NHS as “a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance” – saying she previously “resented” her resemblance to her father, Bruce Willis, as it made her believe her “masculine” face was the sole reason for [her] unlovability.”
She added, “I was/am inherently valuable and worthy, at any life stage, at any size, with any hair do! (As are you).”
In another post in 2020, Willis reflected on her body image, noting that “in an effort to claim possession over all parts of [herself],” she “unconsciously misstep[s] by showing images of a bod [she is] aware that can be considered underweight,” adding, “It’s where I’m at and I don’t want to hide myself in shame, but I also know that in my journey of healing I want to practice deeper awareness.”
Willis speaks about her mental health with vulnerability, humour, and grace. While she's clearly surrounded by people who care deeply for her (Demi Moore is far from the only person to comment their support on her Instagram post), it's still disturbing that she's forced to deal with comments that actively seek to undermine her recovery. Not to mention dangerous.
“Body shaming can come in all different shapes and sizes, and it can exacerbate an eating disorder for someone who is already suffering.”
Fiona Yassin, a psychotherapist and founder and clinical director of The Wave Clinic, tells GLAMOUR, "Body shaming can come in all different shapes and sizes, and it can exacerbate an eating disorder for someone who is already suffering.
“There are many connotations in society of the size and shape that we are 'supposed' to be and that's what many people tie their self-esteem and self-worth too. There's a heavy perception that the number on the scales or the size of our clothes is really important and it may create a fixation for people on the size they should be. Many people come to believe that being a certain size makes them worthwhile, more attractive, more friendly, more intelligent.”
Kerrie Jones, a psychotherapist and CEO and Founder of Orri, a specialist eating disorder treatment, also highlights that weight restoration – “the period of recovery where someone who has lost a significant amount of weight (often due to restrictive or compensatory behaviours) takes careful and supported steps in gaining weight back to a healthy level for them” – is a vital aspect of recovery from disordered eating.
She explains, “The longer that someone is malnourished and exists in an underweight body, the higher their risk of developing complications such as osteoporosis, kidney problems, heart problems like mitral valve prolapse or bradycardia, and amenorrhea (loss of periods). Similarly, malnourishment can risk someone’s neurobiology, such as modulating the brain’s reward circuitry, brain volume and memory loss.”
She recalled that “when I was little, that was an obsession I had of like, ‘I should look this way?’”.
One of the most healing, maddening parts of eating disorder recovery is noticing your body change; and yes, gain weight. The last thing you need is people goading you about your appearance – no matter how famous you are.
The troll's choice of wording – “You got fat again” – insidiously imitates the inner dialogue that plagues many of those in recovery from body dysmorphic disorder and disordered eating.
As Yassin tells GLAMOUR, “Fat in itself is not a terrible word. What's harmful is the way it's used to shame and belittle others.”
Jones also adds, "So much work in recovery involves learning how to develop a kind and compassionate voice towards the challenges we face in life, including how we relate to our bodies.
“Body shaming can be incredibly undermining in this way and work to actively endorse the critical ‘voice’ of the eating disorder, keeping someone trapped in the cycle of their thoughts and behaviours.”
By publicly sharing these body-shaming comments, Willis has once again refused to let shame engulf her. In doing so, she's set a powerful example to other young women who may be struggling with their recovery. Tallelulah, we salute you.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or beateatingdisorders.org.uk.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
