Emma Thompson's actress daughter Gaia Wise bravely reveals anorexia battle

Emma Thompson's daughter has bravely opened about her battle with anorexia.

In an honest Instagram post, 21-year-old Gaia Wise revealed she has been on a journey to recovery after living with an eating disorder in recent years, and it wasn't until 18 months ago that she focused on getting healthy.

The 21-year-old actress — who Thompson shares with her husband of 18 years, The Crown actor Greg Wise — said she was inspired to share her story after seeing too many weight-loss stories on Instagram. 

"So, many people are posting fabulous bodily changes they have achieved either over the past few years, or over lockdown. The majority I have seen are about weight loss. I decided to share something a little different; my journey from anorexia to a healthy body," she began in a lengthy post. 

"Much of it has been a battle but I'm now 18months in a stable and happy weight range. I was terrified of sharing this but I thought that it might be useful to see the polar opposite...who knows...it might even be helpful to another human."

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Gaia said that sharing her story as well as before and after images has been cathartic, and she hopes it will eliminate the stigma that comes with eating disorders. 

"I know sharing takes me even further out of the shame of an eating disorder. Anorexia is the most deadly mental illness that exists in humans and — even on days I STRUGGLE UGH - I'm so proud that I have moved from the left to the right (figuratively in this pic...ha!)," she continued. 

"Since the first picture was taken the biggest thing that has changed is that I have moved into my own flat. It doesn't seem massive but if you had told me 16 months ago I would have been secure, stable and happy enough to look after a home, i probably would've slapped you across the face to make you see sense. And yet here we are."

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In the past, Thompson, 62, has spoken out about the obsession Hollywood has with body image.

"The anorexia — there's so many kids, girls and boys now, and actresses who are very, very thin into their 30s, who simply don't eat. They don't eat," the Oscar winner said on Swedish chat show Skavlan back in 2017. 

"Sometimes there are just some subjects that you absolutely have to make noise about because it's so tedious and it's gone on and on."

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with an eating disorder, you can find help, support and resources through The Butterfly Foundation: 1800 33 4673