At the age of 10, according to Marie Claire, Janet Jackson’s father got her a role as Penny Woods on the later seasons of the hit ’70s sitcom “Good Times.” As she grew into adolescence in front of TV cameras, Jackson subsequently suffered psychological blowback. “They would put gauze around my chest to make me smaller, and I think that has an effect on you,” Jackson said. “As if who you are isn’t good enough.”
As an adult, Jackson’s body image issues manifested as an eating disorder. “Food has always brought me comfort and the binging is triggered when I’m in a space that is not positive,” she told The Telegraph. “Maybe something happened and I’m feeling depressed, I eat to fill that void. Afterwards I’ll beat myself up about it.” Additionally, according to the New York Daily News, Jackson adopted patterns of bulimia and anorexia. “I had swung so far in one direction … I never thought I could swing so far in the other,” Jackson said. “You’re losing weight and getting smaller, and I’d still say to myself I could afford to lose a little more.” She said that people around her had been able to tell when something was wrong, and she’s learned to keep an open mind to those words.
If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).
