Actor Sana Saeed has candidly shared her journey of living with bulimia, revealing that she spent years struggling with the eating disorder without even knowing it had a name. Best known for playing young Anjali, the daughter of Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji’s characters in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Sana said her experience highlights how eating disorders often go unnoticed despite causing significant emotional distress.
‘I Didn’t Know I Had Bulimia’
In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, Sana recalled feeling confused about her relationship with food for years. She admitted that she often hid her eating habits and feared being judged by those around her, including her husband.
The actor said reading The Bulimia Help Method became a turning point in her recovery. Although she initially found it difficult to accept the diagnosis, learning about bulimia helped her understand what she had been experiencing for so long.
In her Instagram post, Sana wrote that growing up, she had never heard anyone talk about eating disorders, leaving her to cope with her struggles in silence. She added that she has now fully recovered and hopes her story encourages others to seek help if they are facing similar challenges.
What Is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterised by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by behaviours aimed at preventing weight gain. These may include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting or the misuse of laxatives.
Because many people with bulimia maintain a normal body weight, the condition often remains hidden and may go undiagnosed for years.
What Causes Bulimia?
Health experts say bulimia develops through a combination of psychological, biological and social factors. Common risk factors include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Low self-esteem
- Body image concerns
- Perfectionism
- Restrictive dieting
- Social pressure related to appearance
- Family history or genetic predisposition
Common Symptoms
Bulimia can affect both physical and mental health. Warning signs may include:
- Repeated episodes of binge eating
- Frequent vomiting or other attempts to prevent weight gain
- Excessive exercise or fasting
- Obsession with body weight or shape
- Swollen cheeks caused by repeated vomiting
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Dehydration and fatigue
- Electrolyte imbalances
If left untreated, bulimia can lead to serious complications involving the heart, kidneys and digestive system.
Treatment and Recovery
Doctors say bulimia is treatable, particularly when diagnosed early. Treatment often includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), nutritional counselling and, when necessary, medication to address anxiety or depression.
With professional support and appropriate treatment, many people recover fully and rebuild a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.
By sharing her personal journey, Sana Saeed hopes to raise awareness about eating disorders and encourage people experiencing similar symptoms to seek timely medical and mental health support.