‘i was terrified of dying, but i didn’t know how to be healthy’

Gradually, Brittany began to control her diet.

She says: “I started restricting my calories to 1,000 a day, living off granola bars and fruit – I’d lost 15lbs within a month and weighed 8st, which I loved. My parents were shocked and took me to the doctor but, because my weight wasn’t dangerously low, I wasn’t considered at risk.”

But, by the time Brittany was 18, the problem had escalated.

She says: “I’d drink water or chew gum to stave off hunger and at meal times I’d pretend to eat, then throw the food away. When my parents took me to the doctor I’d wear baggy clothes and put weights in my bra so they couldn’t tell how much weight I’d lost. I’d work out for six hours a day and pace around my room loads to burn calories.”

The weight continued to drop off and when Brittany was 20 she was admitted to hospital on her parents’ insistence after her weight plummeted to 4st. She was fed by a tube and, concerned her organs were failing, doctors warned her that if she didn’t gain weight she would die – her devastated parents even began to plan her funeral. She says: “I felt guilty my family were so concerned, but I didn’t realise the seriousness of the situation.”

DIET OBSESSION

Brittany gradually began to gain weight and was discharged seven months later, weighing 5∂st. But it wasn’t until she’d returned home that it sunk in how starving herself had almost led to her death – so Brittany’s diet took another unhealthy turn.

She says: “I was terrified of dying, so I went the other

don’t have to pay tariffs that may be imposed once we leave properly, and this could lead to job losses. Also, bosses may be able to reject some of the EU workers’ rights, especially for small businesses, meaning they will be able to run their concerns more cost effectively. It’s too early to tell if unemployment rates will be hugely affected.

HOLIDAYS

These are set to be more expensive, at least in the short term, because the pound is likely to stay low against other currencies. Easyjet and Ryanair have said they’re increasing prices. Think about holidaying in the UK as it’s likely to be cheaper. However, Brexit may be a good boost for UK tourism – people from other countries will find it cheaper because of the lower pound.