- Jade Thirlwall battled anorexia as a teen hiding her body in baggy clothes.
- Little Mix faced relentless trolling with Jesy Nelson attempting suicide due to bullying.
- Jade credits therapy and band support for her recovery and self-love journey.
- Post-band she confronts body shamers with defiance and honesty.
- Her story highlights the lasting impact of online abuse on mental health.
Former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall, who now goes simply by JADE, has always been open about tackling tough subjects like racism and mental health.
In a recent interview, she shared her experiences with the constant body-shaming she’s encountered since she started her solo career, emphasizing how public scrutiny contrasts sharply with her hard-fought recovery from anorexia.
Her honest conversation sheds light on the damaging pressures that come with fame and the unfair standards women often face in the public eye.
From Girl Group Fame to Solo Struggles
After Little Mix went on hiatus in 2021, Jade set off on her own path, debuting her daring single “Angel of My Dreams.” Unfortunately, rather than celebrating her talent, critics zeroed in on her looks.
“When I was in Little Mix, I was incredibly skinny—sometimes to an unhealthy degree,”
she said on the G Spot podcast.
“Now that I’m healthier, the main critique I get online is about my weight. People ask if I’m pregnant or label me as ‘fat.’ It’s just awful.”
She sees the irony in it all. During her lowest weight, she felt “the most miserable,” yet society seemed to applaud that version of her. Now, as she embraces a healthier lifestyle, she finds herself facing even harsher judgment.
“It’s sad that when I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been, people choose to criticize me even more,”
she reflected.
The Lingering Ghost of Anorexia
Jade first opened up about her struggle with anorexia in Little Mix’s 2016 book, Our World. The disorder was triggered by childhood trauma—her parents’ conflicts, the death of her grandfather, and bullying.
“When I was 13, the only thing I could control was what I ate,”
she shared. The issues resurfaced while she was in the band, resulting in serious health warnings:
“I was told that if I didn’t change, I was going to die.”
Her willingness to discuss this battle makes the current body-shaming feel even more painful.
“I understand my journey with weight,”
she explained.
“As a teenager, I had anorexia. Now that I’m in a better place, the comments still hurt.”
The Ozempic Pressure and Fame’s Toxic Standards
The growing popularity of weight-loss medications like Ozempic has added another layer of pressure for her. “Every day, I fight against the temptation to give in,” Jade admitted.
“Given my history with eating disorders, it’s a constant internal struggle.”
While she doesn’t judge others for using these medications, she’s determined not to let industry standards dictate her self-esteem.
Her views resonate with past statements made by Little Mix against body-shaming. Bandmate Perrie Edwards once expressed,
“We love food, and so does everyone else!”
a message that Jade continues to support in her solo career.
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Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
