Victoria Beckham Reflects on ‘Incredibly Unhealthy’ Eating Disorder

Victoria Beckham has candidly shared her struggles with an eating disorder, highlighting the pressures she faced from media scrutiny, particularly following her appearance on live television shortly after giving birth. In a recent three-part documentary on Netflix, the former Spice Girl opened up about her experiences, revealing how public perception impacted her self-image.

In May 1999, shortly after the birth of her son, Brooklyn Beckham, Victoria appeared on Chris Evans’ live show, TFI Friday. During this segment, she faced the uncomfortable pressure of stepping on the scales for a national audience. Reflecting on that moment, she stated, “I was weighed on national television when Brooklyn was six months old. ‘Get on those scales’ on television. ‘Have you lost the weight?'”

The emotional toll of such experiences became evident as she spoke about her journey through body image issues. Victoria explained, “I really started to doubt myself and not like myself, because I let it affect me. I didn’t know what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Was I fat? Was I thin? I don’t know. You lose all sense of reality.”

Her struggle with self-criticism was compounded by the media’s relentless focus on her appearance. “I’ve been everything from ‘Porky Posh’ to ‘Skinny Posh’. It’s been a lot and that’s hard,” she added. This cycle of public judgment led her to engage in unhealthy weight control methods.

Victoria’s husband, David Beckham, expressed his dismay at the treatment of women in the media during that era. He noted, “People felt it was OK to criticise a woman for her weight, for what she’s doing, for what she’s wearing. There were a lot of things happening in TV then that wouldn’t happen now. That can’t happen now.”

As she delved deeper into her experiences, Victoria revealed, “When you have an eating disorder, you become very good at lying. I was never honest about it with my parents. I never talked about it publicly.” She emphasized the lasting impact of constant criticism, stating, “It really affects you when you’re being told, constantly, you’re not good enough.”

The documentary provides a poignant look into the glamorous yet challenging life of Victoria Beckham, shedding light on the darker aspects of fame. As she continues to build her fashion empire, her reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health and body positivity in the public eye.

Victoria Beckham’s story resonates widely, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding towards those facing similar struggles. The documentary is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into her life and the lessons she has learned.