Demi Lovato's Battle With Her Eating Disorder Is a Lifelong Struggle and She Confesses Not 'Fully Healed'

Demi Lovato has spoken openly about her mental and physical health throughout her career, with her recently opening up about her eating disorder.

The movie star revealed that while she believes she has made significant progress, she does not consider herself fully healed. While Lovato's relationship with food is still a challenge for her, she continues to find greater acceptance for her body and herself.

The Camp Rock star released her first cookbook after finding enjoyment in preparing meals, while also responding to detractors online who comment on her weight.

Demi Lovato Thinks 'Fully Healing' From Her Eating Disorder Is 'Unrealistic'

Lovato shared her struggles with her eating disorder on the 14 October episode of the Street You Grew Up On podcast.

The singer said that she had undergone treatment several times but no longer views complete healing as a realistic goal.

'I've been to treatment several times,' she said. 'I can say that today, I'm not in a place where I look at myself as fully healed. I don't think that that's something that I even think about striving towards because it doesn't seem realistic. I think that food is going to be a battle for the rest of my life, but it's a manageable battle.'

Lovato elaborated by saying that she is finding more freedom through cooking and developing a healthier relationship with her appearance rather than eliminating negative feelings towards food and her body.

'Some days I don't love my body, but there are days where I accept it,' she said. 'I would say I live in a place of acceptance now.'

Demi Lovato's New Cookbook Was Inspired by Her Eating Disorder Treatment

Lovato's newfound feeling of freedom through cooking was the direct inspiration for her first cookbook, One Plate at a Time: Recipes for Finding Freedom with Food.

'I was so overwhelmed by food that stepping into a grocery store would make me break down into tears,' she recalled. Her therapists suggested that cooking would rebuild her relationship with food, although the process was difficult at first.

Several years later, Lovato began cooking with friends and discovered that preparing a meal could bring her enjoyment. One experience while making spaghetti squash salad gave her the epiphany that she was having fun in the kitchen.

'I actually stepped foot into the kitchen and had so much joy come from it, and I was proud of what I made,' the singer said.

This experience informed Lovato's cookbook, making it more accessible and less intimidating. The book contains over 80 recipes, along with personal stories, tips and guidance for people still learning their way around a kitchen.

Lovato Responds to People Commenting on Her Weight Online

Despite her positive attitude towards her body and her work on her eating disorder, Lovato continues to receive comments about her weight. She recently fired back at a TikTok video in which a user claimed that changes in her appearance were proof that she had been replaced by a clone.

The Camp Rock alum directly challenged the creator after the video used her weight as part of the argument. 'girl go outside and leave my weight out of the equation,' she wrote.

Instead of backing down, the TikTok user argued that her response supported the theory. Lovato's sister, Dallas, rejected the conspiracy claims as she defended her from the speculation.

As Lovato grapples with her eating disorder and works towards rebuilding her relationship with food, her support system is allowing her to share her struggles and use what she has learned to help others.