Fearne Cotton says she didn’t know she had an eating disorder while secretly battling bulimia in her teens

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Fearne Cotton has revealed she didn’t realize she had an eating disorder while battling bulimia as a teenager and into her twenties.

The TV and radio personality opened up about her history with food and how therapy has helped her as an adult in a detailed Instagram post, timed to coincide with the start of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

Forty-four-year-old Cotton says she didn’t start dealing with her bulimia until after years of ignoring it.

She shared that when she struggled with bulimia as a teenager and on and off into her twenties—especially in her early twenties—she didn’t realize it was an eating disorder. She simply didn’t understand what was happening to her, she told her followers on Wednesday.

I kept it hidden, and I didn’t want anyone to find out. I didn’t think it was something to worry about; it was just where my thoughts were leading me.

I struggled with an eating disorder for a long time, but it wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that I realized I needed to get help. It was really affecting my mental and physical health, and I knew things had to change.

Over time, therapy has been incredibly helpful for me. Hearing other people share their experiences with it has also made a big difference, and it’s really helped me realize there’s absolutely no shame in seeking help – it’s something we shouldn’t have to keep hidden.

The presenter, who started her television career at age 15 on GMTV, has spoken about her decade-long struggle with bulimia. She explained it began with feeling deeply unhappy with herself and how she looked, after convincing herself she was ‘too wide.’

She shared with her Instagram followers that it took her years to even say the word ‘bulimia.’ She explained she struggled to connect with the term, felt embarrassed by it, and simply couldn’t bring herself to say it.

You know, I’ve reached a point where I’m really comfortable opening up about this, and honestly, I think it’s just because I’ve talked about it so much. But I truly believe it’s important to share – so many people are going through similar things right now, and it helps to know you’re not alone.

When you’re struggling with an eating disorder – like bulimia, anorexia, or any similar condition – it feels incredibly difficult, even impossible, to stop the harmful patterns.

I just know things can get better! It’s not hopeless at all, and people can heal and get back on their feet. Honestly, I’ve been reading about others who are doing such incredible things, it’s inspiring! It gives me so much hope that recovery is truly possible.

The well-known TV and radio host, now 41, battled bulimia for most of her twenties. She was able to recover after marrying musician Jesse Wood and having children.

In 2023, Kate Cotton spoke about her health struggles, explaining she decided to address them after seeing online discussions about the reappearance of a trend called ‘Heroin Chic.’ This term, popular in the early 1990s, referred to a fashion aesthetic characterized by very thin models with pale complexions.

She shared on Instagram that while a lot of different opinions on one topic can be overwhelming, her own past struggles with body image make her feel like she needs to contribute to a positive discussion.

I struggled with bulimia for a decade, and it stemmed from both a deep dislike of myself and a need to feel in control.

It’s still hard for me to talk about this, but I’m encouraged by the fact that so many others are going through the same thing and may feel stuck. I want them to know they’re not alone.

I want to remind you that if I’m able to do something, you are too. It’s definitely achievable, so be kind to yourself and remember that healing is possible.

If this article has brought up any difficult feelings, please reach out for support at Eating Disorders Support: 01494 793223.

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2026-02-25 15:38