Shrinking Under A Microscope
Ally McBeal's So-Called Anorexia
We've all seen Calista Flockhart, who plays Ally McBeal on Fox TV, shrink under the overwhelming watchful eye of the press. Living in the glittery city myself, I have heard from inside sources that Calista DOES NOT HAVE ANOREXIA. Even if she did, the way the press attacked her would certainly not help heal disordered eating! The only positive thing I see about the Ally scandal is that it brought the issue of eating disorders into the public eye which is vital, because it educates those people who still laugh and say eating disorders aren't real (or are just about vanity). Some Calista photos at end of this page...
However, I did watch Calista lose weight after the first season of her hit show and I remember the talented actress from the HBO movie about bulimia ("Portrait of a Bulimic: the Mary-Margaret Carter Story"), which I thought she did an excellent job in! But her weight loss stopped after the agony of the press and I do think she appears to be healthy at this time. She admits to losing a little weight, but I believe she does not have a clinical eating disorder. The attention, although negative, did not hurt her career and, in fact, made her a household name which the show alone had not yet done. So maybe the "starving for attention" syndrome is still at work here. Personally I do wonder about Calista's exercising habits, they are a bit severe (the term exercise bulimia comes to mind...), but then again, most people in this wacky city of angels are neurotic about their appearance. Maybe the problem is that the glaring spotlight of Hollywood does "add ten pounds" (not literally, but emotionally) and it is this heat that Calista is sweating under. Don't give up, Calista, I am a fan and a supporter of your courage to fight the press... I know they can take things and warp them... and on this site, I merely use the Ally Anorexia hype as an example of what is going on with this complicated topic!
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Lucy Liu of Ally McBeal being questioned about Calista Flockhart's alleged Eating Disorder.
Gallery Magazine: Has the negative publicity surrounding Calista Flockhart's alleged eating disorder had any impact on the cast of Ally McBeal?
Lucy Liu: No, not at all. We all know that it's ridiculous. If it was something that we were seriously concerned about, it would definitely bring a cloud over the set. But we all know that people love to talk about famous people and Calista is the star of the show. Anyone who is going to have a name on a show is going to receive a lot of criticism. You're always going to be under a microscope. We all expect that at some point. Unfortunately, she has to handle that on her own in terms of dealing with the press. But we're all really supportive.
Goshen Frank. Lucy Liu Interview. Gallery November 1999: 96-97.
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Anorexia Athletica
THIS COULD BE WHAT CALISTA FLOCKHART HAS... MANY PEOPLE DO!
Compulsive Exercising (Anorexia Athletica) Many people who are preoccupied with food and weight also have an obsession with exercising. Although compulsive exercising is not yet a recognized diagnosis, it is still a serious problem.
* While obsessed with exercising, they may also be fanatic about their weight and diet.
* Person repeatedly exercises beyond requirements for a healthy fitness routine.
* Determines self worth in terms of their ability and performance.
* Often misses out on other activities such as school, work and relationships in order to exercise.
* Is hardly ever/never satisfied with their athletic abilities and accomplishments.
* Continues exercising despite injury or medical warnings. May cease menstruation (females).
* Other eating disordered behaviors, logic, thoughts, etc.
