A Donegal student has spoken about overcoming her anorexia demons that saw her weight plummet to just under six stone over nine months.
Michaela Duddy, 19, started to use her eating disorder as a way to cope with life’s pressures.
She became obsessed with consuming as little as possible and exercising as much as she physically could, often for hours a day.
At her lowest point, Michaela weighed 5st 13lbs and was a UK size 4 and didn’t have the energy to socialise with her friends.
Now a healthy 8st 13lbs and a UK size 8, her recovery turning point came as she realised anorexia was ruining her life.
Michaela, told the Irish Mirror “I suffered for around nine months. It stemmed from a place of unhappiness and I used it as a coping mechanism.
“I couldn’t concentrate. I was drained, cold and constantly obsessing over food and exercise. I also never socialised and drifted from my friends.
“I was obsessed with eating as little as I could and exercising as much as I could. I had no energy for the exercise so it was very dangerous.
Michaela is now in great shape and regularly goes to the gym.
“I just realised how bad it was getting and it was ruining my life.
“I wanted to gain back my life and happiness.”
Michaela said she is happy with her body and life but it was hard work getting to this point.
She added: “The most difficult part was fighting with the voice inside my head every day but the more you fight the quieter it gets, so it was worth it.
“My family and friends are very proud of how far I’ve come and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support so I’m very grateful for that.
“I love exercise and I do it because I love my body, not as punishment.
“I fuel my body with good food and I’m not afraid to treat myself.
“I would tell others suffering with an eating disorder to talk to someone about it.
“There is a life full of happiness ahead of them after recovery. If I can do it anyone can.”
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