Lana Condor on past eating disorder and body dysmorphia: ‘You have to stop thinking a certain body shape is ideal’

‘I think it’s time to give people comfort’

(Getty Images)

Lana Condor has opened up about previously suffering from an eating disorder and body dysmorphia.

The actor, best known for her lead role in Netflix romantic comedy To All The Boys I've Loved Before, trained as a dancer for years throughout her childhood.

The pressure to adhere to an unrealistic standard of perfection both physically and as a performer had a significant impact on her body image, Condor explains to Elle Canada.

"I know what it’s like to have an eating disorder and body dysmorphia — and also what it’s like to be a friend to someone who has that," the 21-year-old says.

The X-Men: Apocalypse star added that her close friends also frequently express concerns about their appearances.

"I look at my friends, and I’m like, 'You’re f****** gorgeous.' But they feel like they’re fat and ugly," Condor says.

"I don’t know how this happened, that women feel like they need to apologise [for their physical imperfections]."

In Condor's opinion, it's important to encourage people to enjoy the food they're eating and to focus less on how it may affect their body shape.

"I think it’s time to give people comfort. You have to eat," Condor states.

"You have to stop thinking that a certain body shape is ideal, because it’s not."

In December 2018, Condor shared a photo on Instagram that showed her sitting in a hotel bed, with a plate of scrambled eggs and sausages on her lap. "She's a little extra," the caption read.

In October 2018, MP Wera Hobhouse issued a warning over the danger of not treating patients for eating disorders unless they're deemed "thin enough" by health professionals.

The Liberal Democrat politician implored her peers to take the matter of "reducing stigma around eating disorders" seriously.

Approximately 1.25 million people in the UK are suffering from an eating disorder, charity Beat outlines.

You can contact Beat by calling the adult helpline on 0808 801 0677, the student helpline on 0808 801 0811 and the youth helpline on 0808 801 0711.

The helplines are open every day of the year from 12pm until 8pm during the week, and from 4pm until 8pm on weekends and bank holidays.