Katharine McPhee On Bulimia And Depression Battles

Katharine McPhee opens up about her battle with bulimia and depression in the February issue of Shape magazine.


The singer-actress and occasional model has struggled with eating disorder early in life. At the age of 13, she started starving herself and exercising compulsively. By 17, she was diagnosed with bulimia - a disorder characterized by recurrent binge eating followed by inappropriate compensatory behavior like purging or overexercising. After seven years of illness, she finally entered a three-month rehab program and recovered.

"The more I focused on my weight, the worse my bulimia got. Now I'm more easygoing. I stopped fighting myself and became more forgiving of my body. Ironically, the weight came off naturally through exercise but no dieting."

She added that hearing positive compliments about her weight was also more therapeutic than medical treatments.

"At my last physical, the nurse took my vitals and said, 'Wow, you must be taking care of yourself! Your blood pressure is perfect. You're very healthy.' Hearing her say that made me feel better then seeing an 'ideal' number on the scale."

But while Katharine McPhee's battle with bulimia has ended, she admitted that she is still on the process of treating her depression. Every Monday, she would attend a women's group meeting where everyone reveals their highs and lows of the week.

"I've tried writing down affirmations, but that doesn't work for me... This exercise is so cool because it allows me to reflect on where I am in my life, and also to hear what others are going through. When we're done, I feel more connected to the world and not so lonely. It's the best way to start my week."

At 25, Katharine McPhee is leading a busy lifestyle as pop singer, songwriter, actress, model and television personality. Her most noted career performances (so far) is finishing as a runner-up on the 5th Season of American Idol in 2006 and for co-starring in The House Bunny in 2008.