From the outside, social media sensation and singer Loren Gray seems to have a perfect life: a thriving career, tens of millions of followers, a loving partner, and a supportive family. Yet, in a candid new interview, the 23-year-old has bravely pulled back the curtain on a private, decade-long struggle with body image and an eating disorder.
The Toxic Cycle of Social Media Comparison
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Gray confessed that the relentless pressure to conform to ever-changing beauty standards online has taken a significant toll. "I compare myself to people online all the time, and it can be a really toxic cycle," she admitted. The Pennsylvania native, who boasts 53 million TikTok followers and 23 million on Instagram, believes this pressure is a universal experience for anyone active on social platforms.
Her personal battle intensified at the age of just 14, when she developed an eating disorder. For four years, Gray grappled with restrictive eating and compulsive over-exercising. She discussed this painful chapter on her Snapchat show, Honestly Loren, emphasising that the struggle is ongoing. "Some days you have really good days and some days you're like, 'Man, I really don't like what I see,'" she shared, stressing the importance of being open about both highs and lows.
Coping Mechanisms and Building a Positive Community
To combat negative thoughts, Gray has developed practical strategies. On difficult days, she focuses on picking out outfits that make her feel confident, particularly from the brand Tillys, with whom she has a partnership. She credits feeling "confident and comfortable" with helping to boost her self-esteem.
Having been in the public eye since her early teens on the platform Musical.ly, Gray feels a profound responsibility towards her audience. "I feel a responsibility to set a good example," she stated, a duty she takes "very seriously." She aims to use her platform to foster a supportive community, sharing personal challenges to make others feel less alone. "I'm really proud of facilitating a community that's positive and helpful," she told the Daily Mail.
To protect her mental health from the darker side of fame, including unwanted sexual comments, she consciously avoids reading online comments. "Limiting the amount of information that you're taking in and being present with people that care about you is what helped me most," she explained. Her offline life is anchored by her close-knit circle of friends, her family, and her boyfriend of nearly a year, Dylan Bryce, whom she describes as being in the healthiest relationship of her life.
Focusing on Music, Film and Future Projects
Amidst these personal challenges, Gray's professional career continues to flourish. She released her single Monster in October and has more new music ready for release. In the acting world, she recently finished filming Rebel Wilson's comedy film Girl Group, alongside stars like Jennifer Coolidge and Nicole Scherzinger.
Looking ahead, Gray is excited about her ongoing collaboration with Tillys, including a VIP experience at their Irvine Spectrum Center store in California on December 6. She sees the partnership as "full circle," aligning with the positive values she has always tried to promote online.
Reflecting on her journey, Gray expressed gratitude: "I'm so happy to have been doing what I do for this long and get to share the things that I love with people." Her story stands as a powerful reminder of the hidden pressures behind a picture-perfect online image and the resilience required to navigate them.
