An unexpected confession...

By Emma Brady on Apr 20, 08 02:28 PM in Health

Of all the political confessions lurking in the wings, waiting for a timely expose - either to promote a book or unseat a rival - the news that former deputy prime minister John Prescott was bulimic is one that no-one saw coming.

Prescott, an old-school political bruiser and somewhat portly gentleman, clearly loved his food, but no-one would think he was bulimic.

The public face of eating disorders tended to be female: Think Princess Diana, Sharon Osbourne or Geri Halliwell. The only other male 'celebrity' who has admitted to battling bulimia is former Coronation Street actor Adam Rickett - but that made sense, given his lean physique.

But given that Prescott's wife claimed she only realised something was wrong when "he refused a fourth helping", it makes you wonder a) what he would've looked like had he not been vomiting after a binge, and b) would he still be alive? Surely that much stress mixed with fats and cholesterol would have resulted in one or two major heart attacks.

Although perceived mainly as a "young woman's problem" - 80 per cent of new cases are in girls aged between 12 and 20 - bulimia is affecting more men, according to the latest figures.
While many may be tempted to mock the former deputy PM, as much as he was by M&S trifles, cakes and condensed cream, he should be applauded for bravely admitting to what is often a very private battle.

If his admission will allow boys and men suffering in the same way to seek help or talk to someone about their relationship with food, ditto for young girls and women, it will have served its purpose.
But if, on the other hand, his unpredictable confession is a blatant ploy to plug his book - by the publishers and the Sunday newspaper serialising his memoirs - then that is calculating beyond belief.

Anyone who suffers from any kind of eating disorder deserves help and support, not ridicule, regardless of their gender. Whether it gives them control or comfort, the guilt that accompanies such conditions makes admitting them much harder.

Whether Prescott ate all the pies is beside the point. His confession, for whatever reason, should provide a glimmer of hope for those still struggling to ask for help.