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Hilary Duff

Hilary Duffis opening up about the anxieties of child stardom.

The Disney Channel alum, 35, revealed that she struggled with a “horrifying” eating disorder for a year when she was 17 as she spoke toWomen’s HealthAustralia about how she overcame her body dysmorphia.

“Because of my career path, I can’t help but be like, ‘I am on camera and actresses are skinny.’ It was horrifying,” she recounted, explaining that she’s since developed a healthy relationship with her body.

“[I’m] appreciating my health, doing activities that make me feel strong instead of just bettering the outside of my body,” Duff added. “Spending time with people that make me feel good and share similar views on health and body positivity and getting enough sleep and balance in my diet.”

She found fame as a child with breakout roles inCasper Meets Wendy(1998) and her Disney Channel seriesLizzie McGuire, which ran for two seasons from 2001 to 2004, launching a feature adaptation in 2003.

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Duff’s personal trainerDominic Leederexplained that although she’s dedicated to her health and fitness, they aren’t Duff’s top priority.

“I don’t feel like she’ll mind me saying this: yes, her fitness and health are hugely important to Hilary. What’s more important to her is her family and work,” he explained. “When she comes home from work, she wants to spend time with her family because she spends very little time with them when she’s hard at work, so every moment counts.”

TheHow I Met Your Fatheractress previously opened up about her relationship with her body when sheposed nude for the cover ofWomen’s Healthin May.

Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma with their family.Brian Bowen Smith

hilary duff with her children

“I’m proud of my body,” she said at the time. “I’ve gotten to a place of being peaceful with the changes my body has gone through.

She explained that becoming a mother has been “powerful” for her, noting that she learned to accept her body after shegave birthto daughterBanks Violet, 4, with now-husbandMatthew Koma, with whom Duff also shares 20-month-oldMae James.

Additionally, Duff co-parents sonLuca Cruz, 10½, with retired NHL ex-husbandMike Comrie.

If you or someone you know is battling an eating disorder, please contact the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) at 1-800-931-2237 or go toNationalEatingDisorders.org.

source: people.com