Sharna Burgess Reveals Struggles with Eating Disorder and Body Image

UPDATE: Sharna Burgess, the renowned alum of Dancing With the Stars, has opened up about her past struggles with an eating disorder during a candid Instagram “Ask Me Anything” session just hours ago. The 40-year-old dancer revealed that her relationship with food has been “super complicated,” highlighting a history of binging and restricting that began in her teenage years.

Burgess shared this personal insight after a fan asked, “Have you ever struggled with eating disorders?” She reflected on how her experiences as a professional dancer intensified her body image issues. “I had a real struggle with my body because of dance,” she explained, recalling being weighed every two days by her instructors, who pressured her to lose weight even when she was not overweight.

In a poignant statement, Burgess described the impact of this pressure: “It instilled a negative body image,” which led to unhealthy eating patterns that persisted into her 20s. “I’d binge one day, and then starve the next,” she admitted. This cycle of self-criticism continued until she joined Dancing With the Stars in 2011.

Burgess explained how her perspective began to shift while watching celebrities on the show embrace their bodies through dance. “I started to see something else in the mirror,” she stated, recognizing her body’s resilience and achievements. “It had gotten me through some incredibly difficult times and created beautiful moments.”

Her last season as a pro was in 2021, when she partnered with her now-fiance, Brian Austin Green. After welcoming their son, Zane, she stepped away from the show but hinted at a potential return, saying, “It’s never a no.” Burgess noted that she had been unable to participate in the last season due to prior commitments but expressed her continued love for the cast and crew.

This revelation is significant as it sheds light on the pressures faced by performers in the entertainment industry, particularly regarding body image and mental health. Burgess’s openness about her challenges may resonate with many, sparking discussions on the importance of body positivity and mental well-being.

As fans rally around her story, Burgess’ candidness serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles many face with body image and the journey toward self-acceptance. Her story is a powerful testament to transformation and resilience that could inspire others navigating similar challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates on Burgess’s journey and potential return to Dancing With the Stars. This developing story highlights the urgent need for awareness and support around eating disorders and body image issues in the dance community and beyond.