The secret was bulimia. The extraordinary thing is that the politician is not the stereotype of one you would expect to be a sufferer of this taboo condition.

John Prescott was the deputy prime minister and admitted publicly that he suffered from bulimia throughout his political career. He is 69 and has not suffered from the disorder for a year now.

It is not a subject that people feel comfortable with talking about. The condition, as I refer to it, is very much related to stress and an extreme lack of self-esteem, far below what anyone could possibly imagine. Indirectly the sufferer is considerate, in the fact that they do not want to involve others and because of the shame that is felt, would not wish to harm those they love around them. But of course, like any addiction the consequences can be serious and life threatening but it is not done in a selfish manor. It is not always obvious that bulimia is the cause of someone’s distress as to the open world; the situation is not, as one could say, in one’s face. It happens in secret and reflects one’s need to be in control. In most cases, people who suffer from bulimia are intelligent high achievers that strive for perfection and have a need to constantly prove their capabilities. There are so many questions relating to eating disorders and with the media these days, more and more is known and as a result, help is more readily at hand. It is hoped that women and men will be more open and seek whatever help is required.

It would appear that I speak with authority on the subject of bulimia. I suppose I can really. Why?

Because for 20 years, I too was bulimic!

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