Christina Applegate's Candid Battle with MS and Body Dysmorphia Revealed
Actress Christina Applegate has opened up about her profound struggles with multiple sclerosis (MS) and body dysmorphia, sharing intimate details in her new memoir. The 54-year-old star, diagnosed with MS in 2021, admitted that at times, her weight concerns bothered her more than the debilitating disease itself.
A Lifelong Struggle with Body Image
Applegate revealed that years ago, she was a size zero and appeared skeletal, yet she was never satisfied with her physique. She described a pivotal moment in 2000 when she decided to add cheese to her salad, marking a turning point in her relationship with food. "My relationship with food is so much better than it ever was," she reflected, highlighting a journey toward healthier eating habits.
The Impact of MS Diagnosis
When MS struck, Applegate underwent 15 hours of steroid injections, which led to a 40-pound weight gain. She candidly expressed, "everything just went like a f***ing blob," capturing the physical and emotional turmoil. Two years later, at the ceremony for her Hollywood star, she felt unrecognizable due to medications and the disease's effects, describing the experience as "humiliating and horrible and devastating."
She elaborated on the public scrutiny, stating, "I want to throw up when I think of the pictures that are out there of me. I look sad and embarrassed. Because all I can think is: everyone is staring." Applegate noted that while people once stared at her for other reasons, she now felt judged for being disabled and overweight—a fate she deemed unacceptable in Hollywood.
Health Challenges and Recovery
Applegate's health issues extend beyond MS. In 2008, she battled early-stage breast cancer, undergoing a double mastectomy. In 2017, she discovered she had the BRCA1 gene mutation, leading to the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes to reduce cancer risk. Currently, her MS limits her diet due to severe stomach issues that could hospitalize her.
Despite these challenges, she found some relief through a clear-liquid diet, losing over 50 pounds in seven months. "These days, my legs are tinier than they've ever been," she shared, though she acknowledged having "scary-looking legs" with no muscle protection against falls.
Ongoing Mental Battles
Applegate confessed to avoiding mirrors for a year and still hearing a critical inner voice about her body. "There is still that little voice in my head that I'm really skinny and has the legs she has always wanted," she said, concluding, "this is the sickness. But she's not going to win." This statement underscores her resilience in facing both physical and psychological hurdles.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Rising to fame at age 15 as Kelly Bundy in Married with Children, Applegate has enjoyed a successful career spanning decades. She earned acclaim for roles in Anchorman and received awards including a Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her memoir, You With the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate, released this Tuesday, offers a raw look into her life.
Understanding Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an incurable autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body, causing nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord. It affects approximately 2.3 million people globally, with higher prevalence in women and typically diagnosed in one's 20s or 30s. Symptoms range from fatigue and mobility issues to cognitive impairments, managed through medication and therapy, though it can shorten life expectancy by five to ten years.
