Chizzy Akudolu is finally getting help for her over-eating addiction
LOOSE Women's Chizzy Akudolu is getting help for an addiction to over-eating.
She has struggled with her weight over the years but says she is now going to address her issues head-on.
Speaking to the Daily Star Sunday, Chizzy, who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year, said that she has a “long, long journey” ahead of her.
She said: "I'm getting a lot of help now. It's being dealt with.
“I've been speaking to people who have been on this journey for 20 years, so I know it's not a quick fix.”
Chizzy also explained that she wouldn’t ever get a gastric band because she doesn’t want a “quick fix” and instead wants to sort out the issues in her head.
She also revealed that she had suffered from depression as a result of her addiction to food.
She said: "Mental health issues affect quite a lot of people. I think people should talk about it and then maybe less people will commit suicide."
The actress broke down over her eating addiction on Loose Women last month.
The ex-Holby City star, 44, opened up about her condition but the show’s panel came under fire from viewers who accused it of making for “uncomfortable” viewing.
Chizzy said: “Yeah, years ago, I used to shop a lot to the point I got into debt.
“Don’t know if it’s an addiction with food, but I was buying stuff as my therapist told me it was trying to replace love I was missing. All my family are brilliant, talking about partnership.
“I feel like I need a total refit up there [her brain], at one point, I wanted a gastric band.
“I really have just lost control now, started going to the gym, but that’s not gonna work if I don’t tackle food. I eat when happy, sad, good, bad news. I just turn to food.”
Helen Blythe tweeted: “Chizzy being comforted after repeatedly being forced to talk about something she obviously didn’t want to for the cameras. Very uncomfortable viewing.”
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Martelle Ward added: “If you keep on digging you’ll make her cry sooner or later, poor lass.”
The actress will soon be making a return to Holby City, where she plays surgeon Mo Effanga.
Sun Online previously revealed that Chizzy had spoken out about her secret battle with depression.