Danny Dyer admits he is struggling with an eating disorder
In a candid admission on his podcast, actor Danny Dyer has admitted he is struggling with an eating disorder.
Danny Dyer is struggling with an eating disorder.
Describing how late-night snacking has replaced his past addictions to alcohol and drugs, the 48-year-old movie and TV actor – who previously underwent rehabilitation during his time on EastEnders – spoke about his current habits on his podcast, Live and Let Dyers, while also appearing on The Dyers’ Caravan Park.
He added he is also dealing with sleep apnoea, for which he wears a gum shield, alongside disrupted sleep linked to late-night eating.
Danny said the pattern of behaviour had emerged after overcoming substance misuse, with food becoming a source of comfort during the night.
He said: “Again, it was the food.
“I’ve got an eating disorder – just eating at stupid hours because it comforts me.
“So last night I took up some hot dogs – out of a jar – sort of like a frankfurter. I took three and put them on a plate. What you’ve got to start doing with this eating thing is just have a little bit less.
“Anyway, I took the fourth one out.
“So I’ve had four f****** frankfurters. Again I’m obsessed with tomato sauce at the moment – dipped them in it.
“I’m still trying to work through my Scampi Fries because I’ve got a whole (load of) pub snacks. I’ve had a big bag of McCoy’s in there. I took two different kind cream eggs. I smashed through both eggs. Bad sleep.”
Danny said the behaviour may be linked to addiction patterns he had previously experienced.
He said: “Absolutely agree with it. It never leaves you. That will be it – it is. That’s part of it, yes absolutely, it never leaves you.
“I did go to rehab and I’ve spoken about this and I’ve been open about it.
“You can’t drink again – I managed to be able to do that. My life is like I’m manageable when I drink and stuff and obviously I don’t take drugs any more.”
Danny added similar patterns are recognised in recovery programmes.
He said: “Maybe that’s why in rehab you have Overeaters Anonymous.
“Eating and drinking and drugs – you know, there’s so many different kinds of addictive patterns that need to be addressed and you can be all in the same room at once.
“I could stop – I’m not hungry I suppose.
“Some people want to take a glass of water to bed, as you should – I just happened to take two different styles of cream eggs.”
Danny, who described himself as a “workaholic”, said changing the type of food would not necessarily address the underlying issue.
He said: “Then I’m still sort of doing it – I’m feeding it.”
Danny added: “You’re right. Take some carrots up (to bed.)”
