Hilaria Baldwin revealed she started dieting when she was only 5 years old − a scenario that may seem shocking, but that experts say is all too common.
In an interview with SiriusXM’s Page Six Radio on July 28, the mom of seven, 42, discussed her journey with decades of disordered eating, including dieting at a young age.
"I did all of it. I did anorexia, I did bulimia, I did overeating, I did undereating," Baldwin said, noting at one extreme she was even "afraid of how many calories might be in toothpaste."
Eating disorders can start earlier than many expect, according to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition.
"Every year, about 14 million people worldwide experience an eating disorder, 3 million of whom are children and
adolescents," the center notes on its website.
Research has also shown that 20% of children show signs of disordered eating, the center adds.
"While not every child who exhibits disordered eating will develop an eating disorder, disordered eating can predict the development of an eating disorder and outcomes in early adulthood," the site reads.
Baldwin said she was determined to heal herself before having kids.
Despite recent strides against toxic diet culture − like the 2010 wave of size inclusivity and rise of the body positivity and body neutrality movements − there's concern about a "larger cultural swing towards the thin ideal yet again," Sam DeCaro, director of clinical outreach and education at The Renfrew Center, which specializes in eating disorder treatment, previously told USA TODAY.
Multiple risk factors can increase a child’s risk for developing an eating disorder, according to the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition, including social pressures.
Baldwin said that "no matter how much I try to bubble wrap (my kids)," diet culture messaging is "going to get through."
Her approach? Having conversations with them focused on food − not looks.
"What I try to do with my kids is empower them. Talk about strength. Talk about how does the food make you feel?" she explained.
Experts agree it's best to avoid comments about someone's appearance, whether it's negative or positive. That's because it reinforces the belief that someone's appearance is the most important thing about them, Dr. Elizabeth Wassenaar, regional medical director at the Eating Recovery Center, previously told USA TODAY.
"These comments about how your body is acceptable or unacceptable, it reinforces again that you are not worth more than your body … and that you have to present yourself a certain way for the world to find you acceptable," she said. "It just reinforces that sort of superficial, body-focused idea that we know is so painful and harmful for every single one of us, because we are so much more than this vessel that carries us."
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, the National Eating Disorders Association's toll-free and confidential helpline is available by phone or text at 1-800-931-2237 or by click-to-chat message at nationaleatingdisorders.org/helpline. For 24/7 crisis situations, text "NEDA" to 741-741.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hilaria Baldwin says she started dieting at age 5. It's not uncommon
