Hanna Cavinder Details How Twin Haley ‘Got Us Out’ of Eating Disorders After Being ‘Each Other’s Worst Enemy’ (Exclusive)

In a candid discussion on PEOPLE’s WAG World series, twins Hanna and Haley Cavinder, former collegiate basketball stars, shared their personal experiences with eating disorders, revealing how their journey has been shaped by the pressures of sports and social media. The pair, now 25, are committed to using their platform to raise awareness and offer support to others grappling with similar issues.

Speaking to host Skyler Caruso, Hanna described the silent struggles she faced during her athletic career. “Those are dark, dark days that no one sees about you online,” she remarked, highlighting the hidden battles that often accompany the pressure to perform at a high level. The twins initially opened up about their experiences in a YouTube video titled “Our eating disorder story,” and have continued to advocate for mental health and nutrition in subsequent interviews.

Hanna noted the particularly overwhelming nature of body image comparisons that occur online, especially in the context of their athletic careers. She recalled how the eyes of many scrutinised their appearances, leading to an intense focus on weight and shape, which aggravated her own eating disorder. “Getting compared online if Haley looked skinnier…constantly seeing that, I think that’s what kind of stemmed it,” she said, attributing part of her struggles to these detrimental comparisons.

Both sisters have experienced the desire for control, often turning to extreme behaviours around food in an effort to manage the aspects of their lives that felt dictated by others. Haley poignantly described her eating disorder as a “weird game,” explaining how the pressures of being a college athlete left little autonomy regarding their schedules and choices. “You don’t have much control,” she admitted, underscoring how this lack of power can exacerbate mental health issues.

The competitive nature of the twins, which originally drove their success in basketball, contributed to their struggles with eating disorders. They recounted how they pushed each other towards unhealthy extremes in pursuit of athletic performance. “Our control is like, ‘No, I’m just not going to eat. I’m not going to eat, and I’m not going to eat until Hanna eats,’” Haley shared, shedding light on the extent of their unhealthy rivalry.

Eventually, their mother raised concerns about their well-being, prompting the twins to seek help from a nutritionist. This intervention marked a turning point in their lives, as they began to recover from their eating disorders step by step. “We’ve been recovering day by day since then,” Hanna explained, noting that they have cultivated a more positive relationship with food and their bodies.

Through their journey towards healing, the twins have transitioned their focus from appearance to health. Hanna stated, “You see everyone’s highlights on social media and you’re like, ‘Oh my god, she looks so skinny. I want to be skinny.’ But it’s like, ‘No, I want to be strong and I want to be healthy.’” This shift in perspective reflects a broader maturation that has taken place as they learn to prioritize their overall well-being over societal pressures.

The Cavinder sisters are also taking significant steps to share their insights into health and wellness through their brand Go-Two. As they expand their business, they channel their experiences into creating products that foster a healthy lifestyle. “It was probably a two-year project that was a dream of ours,” Hanna explained, pointing to their personal struggles as a meaningful catalyst for their entrepreneurial journey.

The twins hope that by sharing their story openly, they can empower others facing similar difficulties. “If I can help one girl going through something similar to what Hanna and I did, why not?” Haley remarked, emphasising their commitment to supporting young women struggling with self-image and disordered eating.

For those who are feeling overwhelmed by eating disorders or related mental health issues, resources are available. The Alliance for Eating Disorders offers a helpline and support groups, providing assistance for individuals seeking help. The Cavinder twins’ story serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, and awareness is key in combating the stigma surrounding these silent struggles.