21/04/2008

Prescott Speaks Of Bulimia Pain

The former deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has revealed that he suffered from an eating disorder for two decades.

Mr Prescott, 69, said that he suffered from bulimia nervosa from the 1980s when he was in Labour's shadow cabinet.

He made the announcement in support of an NHS campaign to raise awareness of eating disorders.

He said: "People normally associate it with young women, anorexic girls, models trying to keep their weight down, or women in stressful situation, like Princess Diana.

He added he was "sure it was to do with stress" and said he "let things get on top of me and took refuge in stuffing my face".

Mr Prescott has been praised for confessing to having the disorder, which is still considered a taboo subject in society.

Psychiatrist Dr Ty Glover commended the former deputy Prime Minister for his admission, saying: "John's bravery will hopefully encourage more men to stop suffering in silence and come forward to seek treatment."

The MP who is to release his autobiography will retire at the next election.

(DS/JM)

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