Demi Lovato has opened up for the first time about her battle with an eating disorder, just months after leaving rehab.
The 18-year-old Disney star quit a tour with the Jonas Brothers late last year (10) and checked into a private facility to receive treatment for "emotional and physical issues".
But, as a contributor to Seventeen magazine, the young actress now alludes to the real reason she entered rehab.
She writes, “Yes, there have been times when I definitely have been tempted to get rid of my dinner. But I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it’s a life-long disease. I don’t think there’s going to be a day when I don’t think about food or my body, but I’m living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it.”
Even though Lovato is still struggling with body issues, she insists it's best to reach out to family and friends for help.
She continues, "Don’t put yourself in danger. It’s very crucial that you get your feelings out - but don’t ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred.
"I wish I could tell every young girl with an eating disorder, or who has harmed herself in any way, that she’s worthy of life and that her life has meaning. You can overcome and get through anything.”