With a chart-topping single and as host of the hit show The X Factor, Demi Lovato’s career may be soaring now, but getting there wasn’t easy. Beneath her squeaky clean image, the Disney teen queen was battling anorexia, bulimia and self mutilation. Demi opened about her struggle with the eating disorder that almost derailed her career.

“When I started to have body image issues I remember being three years old.” –Demi Lovato

Eventually, the pressure on Demi took it’s toll. It was her very public spiral out of control that eventually landed her in treatment.

“I made a huge mistake.” –Demi Lovato

If you think you’re too old to develop an eating disorder, or that it’s only a teenage issue, think again. Eating disorders among women over 40 is a growing disturbing trend and over 60% of women say weight and shape negatively impact their lives. Sandy Crisenberry’s battle with an eating disorder nearly cost her her life.

Note: this video contains graphic photographs

“It’s really a true miracle that I’m here today.” –Sandy Crisenberry

According to Dr. Cynthia Bulik, Director of the UNC Eating Disorders Program, Sandy’s story is the story of many women. She talks about the growing number of women struggling with eating disorders later in life.

“There is so much pressure… to go thin, to look young, and to not age.” –Dr. Cynthia Bulik

Next, we met Kimberly Zehnder, who’s mother’s unhealthy relationship with food triggered an eating disorder. Ever since she was little, Kimberly had been secretly observing her mother’s eating habits. The result was an eating disorder of her own.

“She didn’t know I’d been secretly observing her for all of these years.” -Kimberly Zehnder