‘I was starving myself’: Former Miss Universe Australia Olivia Rogers shares harrowing photographs of when she was in the grips of her eating disorder – after revealing her weight plunged to just 49 kilograms
Olivia Rogers has shared candid photographs from when she was in the grips of her harrowing eating disorder.
In the photos, which were posted to Instagram on Monday, the Miss Universe Australia 2017 contestant was just 19, and painfully thin.
Alongside the photos, the 28-year-old wrote at length in the caption: ‘These photos were taken when I was deep in the grip of my eating disorder. Looking at them was triggering for me for a long time. I don’t have many photos from that period, I deleted most of them because they were painful to look at.
Past: Olivia Rogers has shared candid photographs from when she was in the grips of her harrowing eating disorder. Pictured recently
‘These photos were taken about 8 or 9 years ago when I was 19. Over a few months, I had restricted my diet so significantly, to the point where I was starving myself and over exercising’
Olivia went on: ‘All the while I was consistently told by my modeling agencies that I ‘was doing really well and should be so proud of myself’. This was the beginning of a six year battle with an eating disorder, body image issues and a terrible relationship with food and exercise.
‘I still experience a lot of emotions when I look at these photos. I feel deeply sad remembering my mindset at that time, and seeing how young and vulnerable I was.
Difficult: In the photos, which were posted to Instagram on Monday, the Miss Universe Australia 2017 contestant was just 19, and painfully thin
The 28-year-old wrote in the caption: ‘These photos were taken when I was deep in the grip of my eating disorder. Looking at them was triggering for me for a long time. I don’t have many photos from that period, I deleted most of them because they were painful to look at’
‘But the primary feelings I have now are positive. I feel an overwhelming sense of relief, pride and gratitude and I am able to acknowledge just how far I have come’ she concluded.
Olivia also went on to endorse World Mental health awareness day, which is this Saturday 10th October and encouraged her fans to ‘speak up and shake off the stigma’.
It’s not the first time the model has been open about her past struggles with eating disorders.
Olivia went on: ‘All the while I was consistently told by my modeling agencies that I ‘was doing really well and should be so proud of myself’. This was the beginning of a six year battle with an eating disorder, body image issues and a terrible relationship with food and exercise’
Struggle: It’s not the first time the model has been open about her past struggles with eating disorders. She told the Herald Sun that she battled anxiety – and reached a body weight low of just 49 kilos. Pictured in 2017
She told the Herald Sun that she battled anxiety – and reached a body weight low of just 49 kilos.
‘I was super skinny and very unhealthy. I’m not sure what came first, anxiety around food, or lack of food causing more anxiety,’ she told the Herald Sun.
The model recalled an agency would persistently tell her how great her slim frame looked when she tipped the scales at 49 kilograms at her lightest.
She revealed: ‘I was super skinny and very unhealthy. I’m not sure what came first, anxiety around food, or lack of food causing more anxiety
She also encouraged models to not only post their best moments on social media, saying it’s good to show when things ‘aren’t perfect’.
Now the Adelaide-born beauty – who is mentally and physically healthier – said the ‘moral’ of her story was to always ‘be yourself’.
Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact: Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE)
For urgent confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on: 13 11 14
Strong: Now the Adelaide-born beauty – who is mentally and physically healthier – said the ‘moral’ of her story was to always ‘be yourself’