Kerry Washington – Her Struggles with Food and Body Image

Actor and mental health advocate Kerry Washington is sharing a message that the stereotype around eating disorders can be misleading. During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, she stressed that these conditions do not only affect one type of person. Millions of Americans struggle each year with disordered eating, and too many go unnoticed.

More Than Just the Mirror
Kerry opened up about her own past struggles with food and body image. In her teens and early twenties she restricted food and overexercised to cope with anxiety and control. She said the hardest part was disconnecting from her body and not recognizing how serious the problem had become before starting therapy.

Eating Disorders Look Different in Every Body
Experts estimate that about two to three percent of U.S. adults experience an eating disorder each year. These illnesses can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, race, or background. Around 40 percent of people with eating disorders are people of color.

What Recovery Really Means
Today, Washington talks about recovery in a new way. She says healing is more than changing behaviors. It means looking at how biology, psychology, social pressure, and bias shape our relationship with food, our bodies, and ourselves. She wants women to know that recovery can be about living with intention instead of fear.

You Are Not Alone, and Help Exists
If food, body image, or control feels overwhelming, support is available. Reaching out to professionals, trusted friends, or support groups can make a difference. Eating disorders are treatable, and your health matters beyond what you see in the mirror.

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Helpline
• Call 1-800-931-2237 for information and support.
• Text NEDA to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor via text.
These services offer guidance, referrals, and support for eating concerns.

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD) Helpline
• Call 1-888-375-7767 Monday through Friday from 9 am to 9 pm Central time.
They provide peer support, encouragement, and referral information for individuals affected by an eating disorder.

National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline
• Call 1-866-662-1235 Monday through Friday for help finding treatment options and referrals from licensed specialists.

Crisis Support If You Feel Unsafe
• Dial or text 988 any time for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you’re in emotional distress or at risk of harming yourself.