Alyson Stoner Was Underweight and Worked Out 7 Hours a Day at a ‘Medical Weight-Loss Camp’ amid Eating Disorder Struggle

Alyson Stoner reveals struggle with eating disorder and intense workout regimen

Former Disney star, Alyson Stoner, opened up about their battle with disordered eating in their upcoming memoir, “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything.” Stoner shared their experience of working out for 7 hours a day at a ‘medical weight-loss camp’ while already underweight, in a bid to secure the role of Katniss in The Hunger Games. This extreme regimen was undertaken as Stoner’s body went into “starvation mode” after enduring two weeks of strenuous exercise on a calorie deficit.

Despite the rigorous routine, Stoner received no feedback from producers regarding their audition for Katniss, plunging them into what they described as “a black hole of self-hatred.” The actor confessed to experiencing “the biggest binge of my life” during this period, highlighting the detrimental impact of their eating disorder struggle on their mental and physical well-being.

Stoner’s motivation to undertake such a gruelling fitness regime stemmed from their desire to embody the character of Katniss, known for her small physique. Despite acknowledging that the role was a long shot, Stoner felt compelled to push themselves to the limits while still navigating their eating disorder. This internal conflict led Stoner to convince a renowned medical weight loss camp to allow them to participate in an extreme two-week program, despite being underage and underweight.

The intense workout and diet plan prescribed by the camp included seven hours of daily exercise, comprising fourteen-mile hikes, heavy lifting, and high-intensity cardio. Stoner admitted that their health suffered as a result, with weakened immune system, depleted adrenals, and even physical injuries like a tricep tweak and fractured finger. Despite these alarming signs, Stoner was driven by their determination to pursue the Katniss role.

Following the two-week program, Stoner found themselves hooked on the extreme regimen, despite its detrimental effects on their health. Subsequent events, such as testing positive for strep and auditioning for the role while on antibiotics, further exacerbated their already compromised well-being. Stoner’s body eventually entered “starvation mode,” leading to a cycle of binge-eating and self-loathing, culminating in what they described as “the biggest binge of my life.”

The aftermath of this binge episode left Stoner facing physical consequences, from migraines to significant weight gain undoing their progress over the previous months. This experience plunged them further into self-hatred, coinciding with the revelation that they were not selected for the coveted role of Katniss. Despite the disappointment, Stoner’s memoir serves as a candid account of their struggles with eating disorders and the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Alyson Stoner’s memoir, “Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything,” is set to be released on August 12th, shedding light on the actor’s journey towards self-acceptance and recovery. The harrowing tale serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in showbiz, navigating body image issues and unrealistic expectations. Stoner’s courage in sharing their story serves as an inspiration to others battling similar demons, encouraging dialogue and understanding around mental health struggles in the spotlight.