Katharine McPhee Doesn't Regret Eating Disorder Revelation

By Melinda Newman Posted Jan 15th 2010 06:04PM

More than three years after Katharine McPhee went public with her struggle with bulimia, the former 'American Idol' runner-up tells PopEater she has no regrets about being so open, especially if word of how she overcame her battle could help others who suffer from eating disorders.

"They always say awareness is the number one thing to help other people, and it was sort of my story about how 'Idol' really gave me that step up to sort of overcome eating issues," Mcphee says. "It doesn't bother me because it's like a different person, like that person didn't even exist anymore. So, no, I don't have any regrets."

Now, McPhee rocks a bikini on the cover of the February issue of Shape. She told the magazine, "The more I focused on my weight, the worse my bulimia got ... Now I'm more easygoing. I stopped fighting myself and became more forgiving of my body."

In June 2006, shortly after her 'Idol' season ended, McPhee told People and Teen People that she began practicing bulimia at 17 after using food as a "crutch." "It was how I dealt with emotions and uncomfortable situations. It was literally a drug," she said.

McPhee credits 'Idol' with helping her heal. By the time she auditioned for the show, she was purging seven times a day. Fearing she wouldn't make it through the competition because of damage the vomiting could cause her vocal cords, she entered a three-month treatment program a few months before the season began. Then, as in now, McPhee told People that she hoped her speaking out would encourage other bulimics to seek treatment.

Her second album, 'Unbroken,' is in stores now.

Watch Katharine McPhee Live at Sessions

Tags: Katharine McPhee, KatharineMcphee

Comments

(15)

Friday 15 January

By innocence

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i DONT understand how do GIRLS get eating disorders by looking at HOLLYWOOD actresses. they actually INSPIRE ME!!!but that's very sad!!!!

By Chris

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I got news for you, Katherine.

NOBODY CARES!

She's just trying to keep her name in the news.

BORING!

By peppa

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NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY PEOPLE LIKED HER. HER VOICE MAY TRAINED.... BUT IT'S NOT A " SPECIAL " VOICE .
I AM GLAD THOUGH , THAT SHE'S NOT VOMITING ANY LONGER.... SO GOOD LUCK TO HER.

By lk

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TICK TICK TICK YOUR 15 MINUTES ARE UP

By Garry

Katharine McPhee was a Doll with the natural Brunette Longer locks, the Blonde thing is NOT working at all!
Katharine had real Star Potential right after Idol ended that year, but whoever is making her Bad Career Decisions for her Blew it when they tried to make her look like some kind of "Dark Vixen" on her CD Cover with the Boots and Sweaterdress and way too much makeup.
She's a Natural Beauty without all that. Shania did just fine in jeans and a tied up top on her first album, guys drooled over her Wholesome Look and bought millions of albums/CD's.
Millions grew very fond of her Nice Wholesome "Girl Next Door" look she had through Idol and this Blonde thing is another bad decision.
I saw her on Latenight last week singing and its no better in person. The short Bob do makes her look like shes an attractive 37 year old. There's Tons of excellent Lounge singers out there that could have done as well if they made it onto Idol, I really like her but its unfortunate that the momentum from Idol is about over for her, and her 15 minutes may be up soon.
New Management and a Hit song might still save her shot at long term Success, maybe she should call Kara Dioguardi about a catchy song?

By holly

I couldn't agree with you more. She was beautiful long before the blonde. Good luck to you!

By www.nulifeonline.com

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she is trying really hard to stay in the papers and be famous.......good timing on this artice for her and "Idol".....

By Goddess

She should regret that blond hair...

Holly,
One more thing on Katharine, She need's the Person who's making the Career path decisions and music choices for Carrie Underwood, that would make all the diff in the world..... or maybe ME, I sound pretty logical, Don't I!

Saturday 16 January

By Pat

She wasn't that great on idol, remember the week she forgot the words to her song, yet somehow, she didn't get voted off.She looked good, sexy for all the guys to drool over but the blond hair makes her look cheap and so much older.....unless she is trying to look older because of the age differnce between her and her husband. I would never waste my money on a CD she has made.

By Vecter

Her duet with Andrea Bocelli on the David Foster's "Hit Man" dvd was awsome and a favorite of mine. With her beautiful long brown hair,voice and white satin dress she was a vision of loveliness which you don't see often enough of anymore. I hope that she finds her true path to success and hapiness. Wishing you all the best Katharine. (this is the spelling taken from the "Hit Man" credits".

By mtnmanjames123

She is so fat, a balloon looks better than her.

By STFU

Get lost. nobody cares. yes, your 15 minutes are over.

By favreeeeee

Go back to what got you here,dont adjust to whats popular just make all of us take notice to the beauty in your music ,if you are changing to keep up your popularity well I love your music just fine,dont do this for your 15 minutes or your husband ,get a divorce number 1,and rock on 2,and 3 wheres taylor hicks oh yeah dieing his hair blonde too

By Mellie

She just bores me. There is nothing special about her. I am not saying she can't sing...obviously she can...but she was the blandest person on AI that year.

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