Photo Credit; Getty Images
Lily Collins is continuing to speak openly about her past battle with eating disorders, describing her recovery journey as ongoing while acknowledging that sharing her experience publicly has been both frightening and meaningful.
The Emily in Paris star, 36, marked Eating Disorder Awareness Week with a reflective Instagram post in which she highlighted the importance of awareness and support for those struggling. Collins praised the work of the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), describing the organization as doing "lifesaving work."
"I want to take a moment to acknowledge Eating Disorder Awareness Week," she wrote, emphasizing her long-standing commitment to encouraging open conversations around the issue.
Collins first spoke publicly about her experience after portraying a young woman living with an eating disorder in the 2017 film To the Bone. She later expanded on her personal journey in her essay collection Unfiltered: No Shame, No Regrets, Just Me, where she revealed that her struggles with anorexia and bulimia began at age 16 following the divorce of her father, Phil Collins, from her stepmother.
Reflecting on that difficult period, Collins previously wrote that she "couldn't handle the pain and confusion" surrounding the family split while also trying to balance teenage life with demanding modelling and acting careers that placed heavy emphasis on her appearance. She admitted that eating eventually became "a chore and a punishment," adding, "My plan was working! I was in control! I was skinny!"
In her recent message, Collins stressed that recovery is deeply personal. "Recovery looks different for everyone and is an ongoing process," she wrote, explaining that support networks and storytelling have helped her feel less isolated.
She also reiterated her advocacy efforts, noting, "As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder, and was able to tell the story of so many others like me through my character in To The Bone, I've always advocated for more awareness and understanding surrounding eating disorders so no one has to struggle in silence or shame."
Collins described speaking publicly about her past as one of the most challenging yet fulfilling decisions she has made. "Speaking out and opening up about my history with eating disorders was and is one of the most terrifying but rewarding experiences of my life," she said, adding that if sharing her story helps even one person on their recovery journey, "it is beyond worth it."
The actress has previously said her desire to build a family in the future played a role in motivating her to seek help, and she continues to emphasize that healing is a process that evolves over time.
