My battle with bulimia - by Claudia Faniello

Popular singer Claudia Faniello has spoken publicly of her battle with bulimia in her teenage years.

"It was like a monster living inside me, something which stole my identity," she said about the eating disorder.

Speaking at the University as part of a campaign by medical students to raise awareness about eating disorders, the 21-year-old recounted how, at 14 she began poking her fingers deep in her mouth to throw up after eating something she felt was not good for her. After some time, this became a daily routine and Ms Faniello started inducing vomiting even after drinking a glass of water.

"The situation was getting worse and whatever went into my mouth had to come back out. It was the first thing I thought about when I woke up in the morning and the last thing before going to sleep at night."

Although throwing up was not an enjoyable experience, for Ms Faniello it became like a drug, giving her a rush. It became a premeditated daily routine and she would even take a teaspoon with her whenever she went out.

She said it was her love of singing which eventually helped her outof her addiction as the acidity in vomit was affecting her vocal chords, but the road to recovery was not easy. She now feels the need to raise awareness about the condition, urging other sufferers to seek help.

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http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090318/local/claudia-faniello-speaks-about-the-monster-that-ruled-her-life