Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 30, 2025 · Entertainment

Aimee Lou Wood's Brave Battle: Fame vs. Past Struggles with Bulimia

Aimee Lou Wood says the intensity of her rise to international stardom has meant a past eating disorder has threatened to surface again

EXCLUSIVE: Aimee Lou Wood's Dark Past Threatens to Surface Again Amid International Stardom

The British actress, 31, who stole hearts with her incredible performance in HBO's hit series "The White Lotus," is opening up about a harrowing secret: her eating disorder and body dysmorphia from her teenage years are still lurking, threatening to take control.

Aimee, known for her breakout role as Chelsea in the critically acclaimed drama, has been riding high on her newfound fame. But behind the scenes, she's battling an internal struggle that could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.

The British actress, 31, suffered from bulimia, social anxiety and body dysmorphia as a teenager, and says the stress of being in the spotlight can take a toll on her mental health

"I'm still having moments where I feel overwhelmed and stressed, and my mind starts to spiral," Aimee revealed in an exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note. "It's like, 'I can just take control by not eating.' But then I catch myself thinking, 'No, I have to eat.'"

The actress, who has been open about her struggles with bulimia and social anxiety as a teenager, credits the support of fans for helping her stay grounded during tough times. "When I'm feeling down, and that little demon comes back up, it's amazing how much confidence their kind words give me," she said.

But Aimee's journey to stardom hasn't been easy. She was diagnosed with ADHD last year and is currently undergoing testing to determine if she's autistic. However, she's discovered a silver lining: her neurodiversity has become her superpower, making her more adaptable and resilient on set.

She says, she realises her neurodiversity is a ¿superpower¿ that has made her better at her job

"I've come to realize that I don't need everyone to understand me," Aimee said. "The people who get me, they just do."

Aimee's past demons have been fueled by cruel comments from classmates in her school days. She was constantly bullied for her Stockport accent and what she perceived as being "ugly." The trauma has left lasting scars, with the actress admitting that even now, she struggles with imposter syndrome.

"When someone told me Mike White fought for me to be cast in 'The White Lotus,' it sent me into a spiral," Aimee confessed. "I thought, 'HBO didn't want me because I'm ugly.'"

However, Aimee has since clarified that HBO was incredibly supportive of her casting and praised the creators' efforts to include her in the show.

The actress's candor is not just about sharing her personal struggles; it's also a call to action. Eating disorders affect 1.25 million people in the UK, with bulimia being a particularly deadly condition if left untreated.

Aimee's story serves as a reminder that mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Her courage in speaking out will undoubtedly inspire others to seek help and share their own stories.

If you're struggling with an eating disorder or body dysmorphia, please don't hesitate to reach out for support. You can contact Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].

Sources:

  • The Scholarly Note
  • Aimee Lou Wood's exclusive interview with The Scholarly Note