‘I was anorexic then obese –nowi’mfinallyhappy!’

As recovering anorexic brittany burgunder fought to overcome her condition, she piled on 11st in a year. Now she’s finally living a healthy life

t the height of A her anorexia, Brittany Burgunder exercised for six hours a day, weighed just 4st and had been warned by doctors that she’d die if she didn’t gain weight.

Thankfully, Brittany managed to gain 6st in three months. But her weight-gain then spiralled out of control. She began bingeing on junk food and consumed up to 12,000 calories a day until she weighed 15∂st and was a UK size 20.

Brittany, 27 – who studies psychology and lives in California, USA – has now conquered her demons and is a healthy UK size 10.

She says: “After almost losing my life to anorexia I became terrified of dying, so I went the other way and gorged on food until I was obese. But I realised I was miserable both thin and big and needed to address my issues with food. Now, after counselling, I’m in recovery and weigh around 8st 9lbs. I won’t let diet control my life again.”

SCHOOL BULLIES

Growing up with mum Susan, 59, dad Lee, 61, and younger sister Kasey, 24, Brittany’s weight wasn’t an issue until she was bullied at school aged 13.

Single Brittany, who’s 5ft 5, says: “I suffered from acne, so I’d get picked on. I became depressed and began comforteating – scoffing chocolate and sweets in my room. But I didn’t speak to anyone about it. Then, desperate to fit in, I thought I’d be more popular if I was thin.”

way and started gorging on doughnuts and eating loads of junk food. Sometimes I’d make myself sick afterwards because I felt so disgusted. I thought I was doing the right thing to ensure I didn’t become anorexic again. Initially, everyone was pleased I was gaining weight, but soon I no longer recognised myself in the mirror – I was horrified.”

In just over a year, Brittany had gained a further 10st and weighed 15∂st. She says: “I knew my bingeing wasn’t healthy. I tried fat camps, but I was scared that if I lost weight I’d become anorexic again. After years of abusing my body, I didn’t know how to be healthy.”

Over the next three years Brittany’s weight fluctuated. She was in and out of hospital with bulimia, after taking laxatives and making herself sick to lose weight, before finally realising she needed to tackle the issues that caused her unhealthy relationship with food if she was ever going to recover.

back on track

She says: “I’d spent so many years battling with my weight while everyone else was moving on with their lives; I wanted to start living mine. I began counselling and gradually came to realise I had to regain control of my body, so I started seeing a nutritionist and exercising in moderation. I’ve managed to maintain a healthy weight for four years now.

“I’m glad I’ve got my life back on track. I’m careful with what I eat, but I don’t deprive myself. I’ll never let food rule my life again.”