Ben Smith Just Revealed His Heartbreaking Past On The Bachelorette

Instagram By Phoebe McRae/Dec. 2, 2020 5:09 pm EST

Bachelorette star Ben Smith had viewers across the country in tears this week, opening up to leading lady Tayshia Adams that he struggled with an eating disorder for over 15 years. “The life I’ve lived is different than what you might assume,” Ben revealed to Adams (via ET). “I don’t want to lay all this on you, but the reason I’m in fitness and nutrition — I had an eating disorder for 15 years,” he continued.

Something few men share, Smith elaborated on his heartbreaking personal battle, explaining, “I found out what girls were when I was 15, I realized they don’t like the fat kid. So, I stopped eating, I started working out all the time, lost like, 70 pounds, and had bulimia for like, 10 years when I was in my 20s.” Admitting he’s more comfortable discussing the issue than he used to be, he confessed, “It’s hard to hide something for so long. I kept it from everybody.”

Ben Smith Just Revealed His Heartbreaking Past On The Bachelorette

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By Phoebe McRae/Dec. 2, 2020 5:09 pm EST

Bachelorette star Ben Smith had viewers across the country in tears this week, opening up to leading lady Tayshia Adams that he struggled with an eating disorder for over 15 years. “The life I’ve lived is different than what you might assume,” Ben revealed to Adams (via ET). “I don’t want to lay all this on you, but the reason I’m in fitness and nutrition — I had an eating disorder for 15 years,” he continued.

Something few men share, Smith elaborated on his heartbreaking personal battle, explaining, “I found out what girls were when I was 15, I realized they don’t like the fat kid. So, I stopped eating, I started working out all the time, lost like, 70 pounds, and had bulimia for like, 10 years when I was in my 20s.” Admitting he’s more comfortable discussing the issue than he used to be, he confessed, “It’s hard to hide something for so long. I kept it from everybody.”

Something few men share, Smith elaborated on his heartbreaking personal battle, explaining, “I found out what girls were when I was 15, I realized they don’t like the fat kid. So, I stopped eating, I started working out all the time, lost like, 70 pounds, and had bulimia for like, 10 years when I was in my 20s.” Admitting he’s more comfortable discussing the issue than he used to be, he confessed, “It’s hard to hide something for so long. I kept it from everybody.”

Ben Smith battled an eating disorder for over 15 years

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) website or contact NEDA’s Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).