Influencer Olivia Ponton got candid about struggling with an eating disorder.
“Being anorexic nine times out of 10 is not going to give you the body you are craving nor desiring and as someone who has struggled with many, many forms of eating disorders, specifically anorexia, I wanna talk about this,” the model, 24, said via TikTok on Saturday, October 10.
She continued, “I feel like a huge misconception about models or people that have to make their body look a certain way for their job is that we don’t eat and that couldn’t be further from the truth.” Ponton went on to share that she prioritizes sleeping, eating, working out and cutting out “sugary drinks,” which she said includes alcohol.
Another misconception Ponton discussed was that people sometimes think they will “look the best” while privately battling an eating disorder.
@iamoliviaponton I hope this helps🖤
“When I was going through the height of my eating disorders, I have never looked worse,” she recalled. “I looked dull; my body was not going the way that I thought it was going to be. And now, as somebody who does prioritize those things that I was just explaining, I have never felt better and I have never looked better.”
“And trust me when I say that took many, many years,” Ponton emphasized. “Many years to get to.”
Ponton explained that she wants to talk about eating disorders online to help those who may be struggling. “I hope this helps somebody,” she said before concluding the video.
In the comments section, Ponton added, “I said 9/10 because I didn’t want to make an assumption about EVERY single person who has ever experienced an ED.” Her followers were quick to support her speaking on the matter, writing, “99999/100000**,” which Ponton ”liked,” and “PREACHHHHHH.”
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
