Demi Lovato Opens Up About "Life-Long" Eating Disorder

USMagazine, Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 2:12pm (PDT)

Demi Lovato has been to hell and back -- and the 18-year-old Disney star is finally ready to tell her story.

In a new interview with Seventeen (via RadarOnline), the Sonny With a Chance star finally opens up about the "life-long" eating disorder that forced her into rehab last November.

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"I don't think there's going to be a day when I don't think about food or my body," Lovato admits, "but I'm living with it, and I wish I could tell young girls to find their safe place and stay with it."

"There have been times when I definitely have been tempted to get rid of my dinner," she continues. "I will deal with it for the rest of my life because it's a life-long disease."

VIDEO: Demi opens up about her "dark" past

Since leaving the undisclosed rehab facility in January, Lovato -- who is now a contributing editor for Seventeen -- says she has a new lease on life.

"I allow myself a lot of freedom and I'm very peaceful now," she tells the mag.

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The brave young star hopes that by sharing her story, she can help young girls who face similar struggles.

"It's very crucial that you get your feelings out, but don't ever inflict harm on your own body because your body is so sacred," Lovato cautions. "If you are going through that dark period, go to your family and closest friends. Don't put yourself in danger."

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