Ariana Madix, cast member of the hit reality show Vanderpump Rules and at the moment DWTS, recently opened up about her struggles with an eating disorder, weight gain criticism, and the pressure she felt while competing on Dancing With The Stars. In a candid interview, Ariana revealed that she had battled with an eating disorder in her early twenties and still faced occasional challenges in maintaining a healthy body image.
Ariana Madix 38, was interviewed by E! News and Self on October 30. She spoke about her eating disorder which she said is an unhealthy relationship with food. She also was criticized for her weight. E! News asked her if her boyfriend Daniel Wai would appear on Vanderpump Rules. Ariana replied, “Once or twice, but definitely not very much. He’s not into the whole world of it all. It was very foreign to him, but I give him props for being a good sport on my behalf.” He was filmed with her for the finale episode so it will be a waiting game to see if he appears.
Ariana and Katie Maloney were supposed to open a sandwich shop called Something About Her but that seems to be put on hold for now. Katie Maloney had been interviewed by E! News a while ago and she had this to say about the venture with Ariana. She said,” I just want Something About Her to become super successful and to open more locations. Starting a sandwich empire and take over the world.”
Ariana’s interview with Self was where she spoke about her troubles with an eating disorder. Her troubles began when she was younger. She said, “When I was young and experiencing and feeling things like depression and body dysmorphia, I wouldn’t have even known what to look up on the internet, or how to. I mean, I wasn’t going to go to the library and check out a book about mental health. Even later on, I didn’t realize what I was doing when I was restricting my eating, or that my thoughts in regard to my relationship with food and my body were dangerous.
Growing up, my image of something like an eating disorder was very extreme.
I didn’t know that disordered eating can take many forms, and isn’t necessarily, ‘Oh, you’re below a certain number of pounds’.” Ariana had no idea she was suffering from the disorder. During her healing process, the realization struck her. She recalled the moment she did. “Right around my first season of Vanderpump Rules, I wasn’t doing well in my career, and all these other areas of my life were in a chaotic or unstable state. That’s when my eating disorder was really able to get its claws in and take hold.” At this time the rage on Tumblr was restrictive eating disorders and thigh gaps, Ariana had followed this and had no idea why she needed to fit that mold. “I don’t know why I was trying so hard to fit that mold. But at the same time, images of very thin women were being promoted in so many places, constantly.”
Even though Ariana is in a much better place when it comes to her weight she still fights and is still learning what caused her to have an eating disorder. “They say that the need for control is a major factor in many eating disorders. I think about it and I’m like, yeah, that makes sense. I had no control.” Looking back at her recovery she did reveal that during the time she struggled with what people online were saying about her weight. She shared, “There was a lot of chatter about that—people saying, ‘She’s gained a lot of weight. I still have to catch myself sometimes. There’s that voice in my head that’s like, ‘Well, you shouldn’t eat because you’re going to be in a two-piece later.’ Earlier today I had a photo shoot and I was worried about my body. I’ll tell myself, ‘No, go have a freaking pizza, and knock it off.” She has been catching herself thinking negative thoughts about her body during DWTS rehearsals. She and Pasha Pashov watch videos of themselves dancing, and Pasha encourages her with positive words.
Ariana has been faced with the pressure that she needs to be in the ” best shape of her life” while she is dancing on DWTS. She has been trying her best not to be hard on herself. She said, “I try to tell myself too that everyone is different and every one is unique and everyone has different capabilities and relationships with their bodies, and I can only be me. I just push myself to think that I’m going to do the best I can with the circumstances I’m in. If that means I can’t work out today, then I don’t—I can’t. I’m not going to beat myself up over it.”
Ariana’s bravery in discussing her personal struggles sheds light on the often hidden world of eating disorders and body shaming. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others who may be going through similar experiences to seek help and support.
It was good to see that Ariana addressed the pressure she felt while participating in Dancing With The Stars. As a talented dancer, she faced high expectations from both herself and others. This added pressure took a toll on her mental health and contributed to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt.
In addition to discussing her personal journey, Ariana also touched upon the possibility of her boyfriend Daniel Wai appearing on Vanderpump Rules Season 11. While nothing has been confirmed yet, fans are eagerly awaiting any news regarding Daniel’s potential involvement in the show.
Ariana Madix’s openness about her struggles with an eating disorder, weight gain criticism, DWTS pressure, and relationship dynamics provides valuable insight into the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye. Her courage serves as a reminder that no one is immune to these issues and that seeking help is crucial for one’s well-being.
Vanderpump Rules season 11 will premiere on Bravo sometime between this year and next year.
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