LOS ANGELES (LALATE) – Demi Lovato’s weight loss (photo below) prompted fan concerns far before Lovato’s entry to rehab this week. And while Demi Lovato’s weight loss and alleged eating disorder has never been publicly confirmed in detailed by the Disney star, PEOPLE magazine is claiming today that Lovato has suffered from eating issues.
A source close to the Lovato family tells PEOPLE today that Demi has “fought through eating disorders and has struggled with cutting. … Demi is taking control by getting help.” Lovato’s rep has confirmed to news that Demi has entered rehab for physical and emotional issues; but no further clarity was given with the news statement.
Demi Lovato Weight Loss Photo:
Demi Lovato Weight Loss Picture 2009
Lovato tweeted the above photo in August 2009. The skinny frame immediately prompted concerns by fans. Demi at the time reportedly tweeted the photo with the words “I need you to know, I’m not through the night.. Some days I’m still fighting to walk towards the light.”
The words are lyrics from the song “Courage” by the Christian rock group Superchick. The single “Courage” has significance for eating disorder struggles.
Superchick offered a single of “Courage” for fans earlier this year in support of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. Superchick’s own Melissa Brock has said the song is about personal struggles. As Brock spoke about anorexia online, Superchick fans have responded with their own struggles, including bulimia.
Brock wrote earlier this year that “I want to share with you the story behind the song, which is about my own struggle with an eating disorder. I hope that it reaches someone out there who has been or is where I’ve been, that it will encourage those of you who may be struggling with a similar problem. You’re not alone… and there is hope.”
Brock added “There are so many people out there who are struggling with self-image issues and eating disorders. Sometimes, all it can take to help someone is an unexpected compliment to remind them that they are beautiful!
“Join the OperationBeautiful.com movement and help change someone’s perception of themselves today… because we all need a reminder sometimes that we are each uniquely and wonderfully so beautiful.”
Just months before tweeting the picture, in February of 2009, Lovato posted a long myspace post which included comments about her battling issues of self-confidence. “Honestly, I feel like a new person and in the best way possible. Over the past few months I’ve really just changed my perspective on life and it’s really made me mature into a “new me”. It’s weird, I’ve even been dressing more ‘girly’ because I’ve gained a lot of confidence in myself and my appearance.”
Lovato has also suffered from bullying. “For me it was all of the verbal harassment I had to deal with. People say sticks and stones may break your bones but names can never hurt you, but that’s not true. Words can hurt. They hurt me. Things were said to me that I still haven’t forgotten.”
The official statement from Lovato’s camp states Demi has entered rehab “in order to seek medical treatment for emotional and physical issues she has dealt with for some time. Demi has decided to take personal responsibility for her actions and seek help. She is doing just that.”
