Lily Allen has shared a deeply personal account of her ongoing mental health struggles, revealing that she has lost her appetite and stopped eating. Speaking candidly on her BBC Sounds podcast, Miss Me?, the 39-year-old singer, actor, and author admitted that she has been feeling unwell for several years and that her relationship with food has become a significant concern.
“Eating has become an issue”
During the latest episode, released on Monday (16 December), Allen discussed her challenges with her long-time friend and co-host, Miquita Oliver. She revealed that her loss of appetite had not been addressed in therapy, as she felt it wasn’t the most pressing issue.
“But, obviously it is,” she reflected. “I’m not eating. I’m not hungry. I obviously am hungry, but my body and brain are so disconnected from each other that…the messages of hunger are not going to my body to my brain.”
Allen clarified that she is not actively avoiding food but often finds herself distracted by other concerns, leaving eating neglected.
A history of struggles
This is not the first time Allen has been open about her battles with body image and mental health. In 2021, she faced criticism from online commentators who expressed “concerns” about her appearance, claiming she looked “too thin.”
In response, the “Smile” singer took to social media to defend herself, telling one critic:
“You’ve never seen me two years completely sober, not smoking and exercising every day.”
She also addressed another detractor, writing:
“Seriously, where do you get off? You know NOTHING about me or my lifestyle. How dare you.”
Allen has been forthright about her past experiences with eating disorders. She told Cosmopolitan that during the release of her second album, It’s Not Me, It’s You, she began restricting her food intake, fearing upcoming photo shoots and red-carpet events.
“When I was feeling really bad, everything I ate would come back up,” she admitted.
In 2011, she opened up to Channel 4 about her struggle with bulimia, calling it a period she is not proud of but acknowledging the societal pressure to conform to certain beauty standards.
Battling societal expectations
Reflecting on that time, Allen said she was constantly praised for her appearance despite her unhealthy habits.
“I was on the cover of every magazine with them saying, ‘Lily is looking amazing. Look at how much weight she has lost.’ I thought I looked good,” she explained.
She continued:
“It was great to try on clothes and walk out of the shop feeling a million dollars. When you’ve been a victim of people saying the complete opposite, you want more of it. But I wasn’t happy. I really wasn’t. I would like to be the skinniest, mini-est person in the world. But I know I can’t do that without being unhappy. I like my food.”
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Managing mental health in the spotlight
In a September episode of her podcast, Allen shared insights into the mental toll of being under constant scrutiny by the media and public. She revealed that she often searches for negative press about herself when feeling low, as a way to validate her self-critical thoughts.
“I get a little dopamine rush from people telling me I look good or that they like my old music and that they listen to the podcast,” she said.
“But then I also have to be subjected to way more horrible stuff [than positive], and I will go looking for it because it proves to me what a piece of s** I am. I know that the way I’m feeling is real.”*
Allen admitted this behaviour is damaging and has been trying to distance herself from negativity online.
“I just have to try and cut myself off from it, I think, to keep myself safe,” she concluded.
Raising awareness
Through her honest conversations, Lily Allen continues to shed light on the complexities of mental health, body image, and addiction. Her willingness to speak openly about her struggles resonates with fans and highlights the importance of addressing these issues without stigma.
While Allen’s revelations are a sobering reminder of the pressures faced by those in the public eye, her candidness is a step toward breaking down barriers and encouraging others to seek support.
