Bulimia

JUSTINE BATEMAN: LONG TIME NO SEE

We remember back in the 80’s when Justine Bateman was a huge tabloid celebrity in Hollywood. Her series, Family Ties (with Michael J Fox) was on the air from 82 to 89 and the paparazzi followed her everywhere. Nobody realized then that she had a big health problem- she was anorexic and bulimic. She was also constantly in the gym doing aerobics classes until she practically passed out. Paparazzi waited outside. Her 3 years younger brother Jason Bateman was an aspiring actor then, in awe of his sister’s success. Eventually Justine had to join a 12 step program to get a grip on her eating disorders. AND she continued her education – graduating from the University of California in 2014 with a degree in computer science and digital media. These days she works in directing, writing, and producing. So it’s no surprise she turned up to support the  Writers Guild strike. That’s Noah Wylie next to her in the photo.

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

IRELAND BALDWIN: THE DOWNSIDE OF HAVING A GORGEOUS MOTHER

Sure, it’s nice to be genetically blessed by having Kim Basinger for a mother, but it can create some insecurities, according to Ireland Baldwin, 24. Ireland recently celebrated six years of NOT having eating disorders on Instagram. When she was a teen she suffered from body issues including anorexia and bulimia. Now she admits: “It wasn’t worth turning down so many sides of fries!” When she first started modeling, Ireland says she was very insecure and never felt thin enough. Food became a big problem. It took some work, but she finally got a grip on it and is able to enjoy her life now. She wants other young girls to know “You can do it too!”

Photo: Ireland partying – and eating- with friends on the beach in Malibu

Photo Credit: BACKGRID-USA

WHAT REALLY KILLED AMY WINEHOUSE?

Amy Winehouse’s brother Alex is claims that bulimia is what really killed her. He told The Observer magazine that Amy started losing weight at 17 with bulimia, and many of her friends did it too. Her friends eventually stopped, but Amy didn’t. She was weak and susceptible. Alex thinks she would have been strong enough to survive her alcohol overdose if she had been healthy. (She had 5x the legal limit of alcohol in her system when she died.) Amy’s foundation continues to donate to eating disorder charities.