Demi Lovato Says She Felt Responsible Not to Hide Her Eating Disorder Struggles

In a candid conversation for the podcast Las Culturistas, Demi Lovato explained why she chose transparency about her struggles with eating disorders, substance misuse and mental health. Rather than conceal those chapters of her life, Lovato said she felt compelled to speak openly in order to offer someone the guidance she wished she had growing up.

She recalled facing a crossroads early in her career: whether to keep personal challenges private or to share them publicly. Although her team reminded her she didn’t owe anyone an explanation, Lovato decided that visibility could create a vital example for young people navigating similar hardships.

“I didn’t have a role model at 13 who talked about eating disorders,” she said, noting that responsibility to others shaped her choice to be frank about recovery. That willingness to be vulnerable has formed a central part of her public identity ever since.

Lovato has previously documented those experiences in films such as Simply Complicated (2017) and Dancing With the Devil (2021), and she has been forthcoming about incidents that prompted major life changes — including an episode in 2010, when she entered treatment after an altercation on tour.

Reflecting on that period, Lovato acknowledged the turning point it represented: a moment when confronting underlying emotional and physical issues became unavoidable. She described reaching out to family after the incident and beginning the long process of recovery.

Today, Lovato says she feels stronger and more centred, and she’s focused on creativity and continued healing. Her forthcoming album It’s Not That Deep follows recent singles that showcase a renewed artistic direction and emotional clarity.

For listeners who want the full conversation, Lovato’s guest appearance on Las Culturistas is available in its entirety below.

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