Dr. Alex George bravely reveals that he suffered from an eating disorder and “didn’t eat for days” after two women shamed him about his weight at work.
The 32-year-old former Love Island star, who works as a UK Youth Mental Health Ambassador and A&E doctor, wrote a touching post on her Instagram.
Recalling the incident “a few years ago,” Alex said he could still hear the “cruel laughter” of the women as they “squeezed his belly” in the canteen.
Uploading a photo of himself in a robe, he included a long caption to raise awareness for eating disorders.
Alex began: ‘I’m going to tell you a story that I never intended to share, but I think it’s important to raise awareness.’
Candid: Dr Alex George, 32, bravely reveals he suffered from an eating disorder and ‘didn’t eat for days’ after being embarrassed by two women at work
He continued: ‘A few years ago, I was queuing at the cafe for lunch when two women approached me. “Very good Dr. Alex” was quickly followed by another squeezing my tummy and saying “You’ve put on a lot of weight since Love Island!!”
They left laughing. This was in front of a line of people and others sitting around the canteen. He was mortified and embarrassed.
“I got so disgusted with myself that I left the line and not only didn’t eat for the rest of the shift, but nothing for the rest of the day or the next. This was followed by binges for several days. It really hurt.
‘I was embarrassed to go to work in a dressing gown. Strangely, no one would have known the effect it had on me. As for many others, that was dealt with in silence.
I’m not sharing this story to “make this about myself”, I’ve come a long way in my relationship with my body, apart from some complexes we all have.
‘I wanted to tell you this story because words hurt and can stay with you for a long time. They can be tipping points for erectile dysfunction or trigger a relapse.
‘That was a few years ago and I can still hear their laughter. It was cruel.
“This is Eating Disorders Awareness Week and I just want to remind you that men struggle with body image too, often in silence.”
Horrible: Recalling the incident ‘a few years ago’, Alex said he could still hear the ‘vicious laughter’ of the women as they ‘squeezed his belly’ in the canteen
Alex concluded his post: ‘Please be nice to each other, we all make mistakes but think before you speak or write. What is a moment on your lips could be a lifetime on their heads.
‘There are some amazing people and organizations working in this space. Check out @hopevirgo_ and @beatedsupport who are relentless in their mission.
‘Also please listen to my episode of @thestompcast with @angelascanlon who shares his story with an ED, truly inspiring and I have no doubt it will help others.
‘Just to end by saying that I was really hesitant to share this story, even when I’m about to share, I have my doubts.
‘I forgive those people and I love my body and everything it allows me to do. I just hope this resonates with others and raises awareness. Let’s take care of each other, okay?
Meaning: Alex began: ‘I’m going to tell you a story that I never intended to share, but I think it’s important to raise awareness’
In June, Alex admitted to eating unhealthy food during periods of stress and says he has worked with a therapist to eradicate certain “behavior patterns.”
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, she said she has now replaced snacking with walking, swimming and the gym in a bid to improve her lifestyle.
He said: ‘I was talking to my therapist about coping mechanisms because when I’m stressed, I turn to unhealthy foods.
‘She always tells me to think about what purpose she is serving. In recent years, I have become more aware of behavior patterns.
“Most of what we do is fill a void or a hole and give you a sense of comfort and food has been that for me.”
‘Most of what we do is fill a void’: The former Love Island contestant told MailOnline he replaced snacking with walking, swimming and the gym in a bid to improve his lifestyle.
‘I’m an introvert’: Alex admits it was ‘weird’ that he was ever on Love Island and says the show feels ‘a world away’ from where he is now in his career
“Walking is huge and I love getting out and walking and the gym, I’m really working out again. I’ve been swimming, there’s something about the monotony of swimming that I like, which I know sounds strange.
Alex, who rose to fame on Love Island in 2018, was appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador by the Prime Minister to raise the profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools.
He is also on ITV’s mental health advisory board for Love Island after two of the show’s former contestants, Sophie Gradon and Mike Thalassitis, took their own lives.
Alex praised ITV’s new and improved mental health package being offered to contestants, saying that the producers have become “industry experts” after the show suffered several “tragedies”.
For support on eating disorders, contact the charity Beat on 08088010677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk