Christina Applegate, now 54 years old, has opened up about her struggles with an eating disorder that began before her role on the popular sitcom "Married... with Children," where she played the rebellious daughter Kelly Bundy from 1987 to 1997. In her memoir, "You with the Sad Eyes," Applegate recounts how the pressure to maintain a certain image as a young actress exacerbated her anorexia and body image issues. She reveals that the character of Kelly was often portrayed through the lens of stereotypes about women, which compounded her own struggles with self-acceptance and body image.

Applegate describes how the physical demands of the role influenced her relationship with food, noting that she felt compelled to be thin in order to wear the clothes she wanted for her character. This intense focus on her appearance led her to engage more deeply with her eating disorder, to the point where she would restrict her diet drastically, sometimes only eating half a bagel or even less. This unhealthy routine not only contributed to her poor physical health but also impacted her mental well-being, leading her down a very dark path during her formative years.

The implications of Applegate's revelations highlight the broader issues surrounding body image and the pressures placed on young actors in the entertainment industry. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the long-lasting effects that such pressures can have on an individual's health and self-perception. By sharing her experiences, Applegate aims to raise awareness of eating disorders and the importance of mental health support, particularly within the context of the glamorous yet often unforgiving world of show business.