“Growing up, we were very healthy and active, but we had puppy fat and got bullied a lot,” says Libby, who grew up with her sister by the beach in Pukekohe, South Auckland. “I remember wanting to be smaller from about six years old. People would compare Madi and I, which neither of us liked. I learnt one of the ways I could be different was through physical image and so I started to lose weight at 11.”
Libby began restricting her food and, within a month, had lost 5kg. “People started telling me I looked so great, but Madi noticed, got angry and said I wasn’t acting like me,” she tells Woman’s Day. “Neither of us knew what eating disorders were and it kind of snowballed from there.”
Libby started exercising and slowly her days began to revolve around working out, as well as avoiding food or drink. By age 12, she’d dropped 25 kilos and weighed just 37kg. But the light in her eyes had gone, and the once vibrant and happy child now yelled at anyone who tried to feed or help her because of her anxiety around eating.
This story is from the December 20, 2021 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 20, 2021 edition of Woman’s Day Magazine NZ.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Brid get's new lease of life I'M THRIVING & SURVIVING!
After beating breast cancer, the Tauranga teacher has found a passion for dragon boating
MORGANA'S TRUIMPH I'VE GOT ALL OF NZ BEHIND ME!
The Mean Mums actress is sinking her teeth into juicy new parts in Friends Like Her and The White Lotus
HAS RUSTY CALLED OFF HIS WEDDING?
Russell Crowe refused all invites and requests to celebrate his 60th birthday on 7 April, telling friends he had \"no plans\" to mark the milestone due to work commitments.
ROYAL RAPPER HOW I FOUND MY STRENGTH
Having overcome many challenges, talented Queen Shirl'e is helping young people thrive
SHANNON NOLL & COSIMA DE VITO IDOLS REUNITED!
Once rivals for the top spot, they've always had each other's backs
Rising star's journey FROM FOSTER CARE TO FAME!
Young trans actress Paipera reveals why her new TV role was destined to be
AFTER THE CAMERAS STOPPED ROLLING...
We find out who's really together and who's not!
WARNIE'S EX SIMONE HOW HEALED I FROM HEARTBREAK
The late cricket legend's ex-wife is turning over a new leaf in her life story
Piki & Michael BEHIND-THE-SCENES HEARTBREAK
Their TV experience was bittersweet for these Te Kuiti cousins, who suffered a tragic loss during filming
PENNY'S BIG COMEBACK
Good friends and happy me mories see her return to Summer Bay