Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall Says People Ask If She’s ‘Pregnant’ After Being ‘Stick-Thin’ from Her Eating Disorder

Little Mix’s Jade Thirlwall Opens Up about Body Image Struggles

In a recent interview, former Little Mix member, Jade Thirlwall, candidly shared her challenges with body image and how comments from people speculating about her being pregnant have affected her mental well-being. Thirlwall, now 32, revealed that despite being in the healthiest phase of her life, she still faces scrutiny due to her past struggles with an eating disorder.

Thirlwall reflected on her time auditioning for The X Factor in 2011, where she had just been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for anorexia. She expressed regret that a proper mental health assessment was not conducted prior to her participation in the show, as it may have prevented her from being exposed to the pressures of the industry at such a vulnerable time in her life.

The singer admitted that she initially kept her eating disorder private because she didn’t want it to define her identity. During her time with Little Mix, Thirlwall found solace in focusing on her music career as motivation to maintain a healthy weight. However, looking back, she acknowledges that her struggles with anorexia were present and were a means of exerting control over her life during times of distress.

Despite her growth and progress towards self-acceptance, Thirlwall disclosed that she continues to receive hurtful comments online about her appearance, with some speculating that she is pregnant due to her no longer being “stick-thin.” She expressed disappointment that such remarks often come from other women and highlighted the impact of societal expectations based on her past image.

Thirlwall’s vulnerability in sharing her ongoing internal battles resonated with many fans who have supported her journey towards self-love and acceptance. She revealed that the pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals still haunts her, leading to daily struggles with negative self-talk and the temptation to resort to harmful behaviours from her past.

As she prepares to release her debut solo album, Thirlwall remains steadfast in her commitment to prioritising her mental and physical well-being. She acknowledged the difficulties of navigating public scrutiny while staying true to herself and emphasised the importance of self-care and seeking professional support when needed.

In a society where body image standards continue to dictate perceptions of beauty, Thirlwall’s story serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of mental health struggles and the importance of compassion and understanding in conversations surrounding self-esteem and well-being. Her openness about her journey towards healing offers hope and inspiration to those facing similar challenges in their own lives.