Big Bang Theory’s Mayim Bialik opens up about battle with eating disorders: ‘I’ve known about my problems for years’

Mayim Bialik has opened up about battling eating disorders.

The Big Bang Theory actress – who played Amy Farrah-Fowler in the sitcom – spoke about being a ‘compulsive overeater, an anorexic and a restrictor’ on her podcast.

In a candid chat on Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, the 45-year-old revealed guest Glennon Doyle had ‘inspired’ her to speak up.

Introducing the author, she began: ‘In this episode I publicly identify as someone with an eating disorder, which I’ve never done before.

‘That was a big deal. I only feel inspired because of her to do that. I’ve known about my problems for years, and I’ve been in recovery, as it were, for two years.’

Elsewhere in the candid chat, the star continued: ‘I happen to be a compulsive overeater, and I’m an anorexic and I’m a restrictor.

‘I’ve never said that, this is the first time I’ve ever talked about it, because people are like, “Well why are you so overweight?” Well, because I’m a compulsive overeater, in addition to being an anorexic and restrictor.’

Mayim also recalled a time she was called ‘brave’ for taking on a role in a movie that was 30lbs heavier than her usual weight.

The mum-of-two vowed she is trying to let go of the pressure to lose weight from such a tough industry.

‘I’m trying to release the pressure of being 15 pounds lighter, which is what I, quote, “should be” by Hollywood standards,’ she added.

‘I’m trying to release the pressure of caring that I’m wearing the clothes that make me look like those other women, even though I’m not those other women. 

‘Those are my short-term 2021 goals.’

Mayim is most known for her role in The Big Bang Theory, playing neuroscientist Amy.

The star, who is fronting Miranda reboot Call Me Kat, launched her podcast at the beginning of the year, and is hoping to break down taboo topics through the episodes, focusing on the stigmas around mental health.

Appearing on Good Day LA, she told the hosts: ’It’s important to me in general because it’s an enormous global crisis and it’s one of those things that’s become something that the elite get to deal with.

‘That fact is, getting access to mental health care is a human right. For all the things to be outraged about in this country in particular, this is one of them that really makes my head spin.’

‘During this past year and during the Covid crisis and being home, I realised that my mental health was suffering and people who hadn’t previously experienced mental health challenges were like, “Oh my gosh, I think I’m anxious”.

‘For those of us who have been anxious our whole lives, let me tell you what to do about it.’

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