Demi Lovato Was ‘Terrified’ to Tour After Gaining ‘a Little Weight.’ Then She Realized ‘My Worth Isn’t in My Body’

Demi Lovato has opened up about her journey of self-acceptance and the impact of her body image concerns prior to her recent tour. In an interview with Kerry Washington on the podcast *Street You Grew Up On*, the 34-year-old singer candidly discussed her struggles with eating disorders, feelings of insecurity, and the lessons she learned while on her *It’s Not That Deep Tour*.

Reflecting on her early experiences, Lovato revealed that her relationship with food became complicated around the age of eight, coinciding with the birth of her younger sister, Madison De La Garza. “The attention was no longer just on me as the baby,” she shared, noting that she turned to binge eating as a coping mechanism. Lovato described a particular moment, explaining how she would bake an entire tray of cookies and consume them all in one sitting, and revealed that her behaviours were influenced by observing her mother, Dianna De La Garza, who also battled an eating disorder.

As Lovato grew older, her understanding of her mother’s struggle deepened, and by her teenage years, she began to emulate some of these behaviours. This, she admitted, led to the development of anorexia, which later escalated into bulimia. It was not until she reached the age of 18 that Lovato decided to seek treatment for her eating disorders. Despite having undergone treatment multiple times, she candidly stated, “I’m not in a place where I look at myself as fully healed,” and explained that she no longer views complete recovery as a realistic goal.

Instead, Lovato conveyed that her relationship with food remains an ongoing challenge, yet one that she believes is manageable. “Some days I don’t love my body, but there are days where I accept it,” she explained. Lovato now strives to live in a state of acceptance, avoiding negative self-talk and embracing her characteristics, including her curves. Earlier this year, she released a cookbook titled *One Plate at a Time*, aimed at sharing her journey to a healthier relationship with food.

Despite her insecurities, Lovato found the *It’s Not That Deep Tour* to be a “healing” experience. She expressed anxiety regarding her weight gain prior to the tour, fearing judgment from fans and online critics. “I had put on a little weight before the tour, and I was stressed,” she admitted, recalling her hesitation about stepping onto the stage. However, she ultimately decided to perform, and the response from the audience was overwhelmingly positive.

Lovato recalled the experience fondly, sharing that no one in the audience reacted negatively to her appearance, highlighting the love and support she received instead. “No one turned around. No one got up out of their seats and said, ‘She’s not a size zero,’” she reflected. “They still loved me and cried tears of joy when I sang for them,” signifying a moment of triumph over her body image concerns.

The conversation with Washington not only shed light on Lovato’s personal battles but also served as a reminder of the wider issues surrounding body image and mental health, particularly within the entertainment industry. Lovato’s honesty about her struggles holds the potential to inspire many who may face similar challenges, reinforcing the message that acceptance is a continuous journey and not a destination.

As Lovato continues to navigate her career and personal growth, her commitment to finding balance in her life and her relationship with food can serve as a beacon of hope for others grappling with similar issues. The evolution of her understanding of body image speaks to the complex narratives surrounding self-worth and acceptance that resonate with many individuals today.

In sharing her experiences and learning lessons from her journey, Lovato demonstrates resilience and courage, proving that it is possible to embrace one’s self, imperfections included. Now, with a successful tour behind her, Lovato looks forward to embracing her journey, continuing to inspire fans with her music and candid discussions about her life.