Outlander star Sam Heughan has opened up about his eating disorder in his new memoir Waypoints.
The 42-year-old is best known for his role as Jamie Fraser in the hit show Outlander, but now in his new book, he shared something he went through in his personal life when he was trying to make it as an actor.
The actor, who is from Balmaclellan, penned in his memoir that he cut back on food to prepare for roles to look the part. He wrote: “I was careful with my diet but now began to understand the necessity to eat more to allow my body to thrive. I paid attention to calorie intake, and considered every meal in terms of what it might mean for my chances of getting work.
“In hindsight, when I consider that time in my life, I recognise that I was living for a while with a low-level eating disorder. The requirement for an actor to look a certain way has driven me too far at times.
“I rationed what I ate, often consuming just salad and pickles, knowing they were low in calories. I certainly wasn’t taking on enough fuel for all the running I was doing, let alone for a long day on set.
“We often talk about pressure on women to conform. I certainly felt that expectation upon me, which is why I responded by maintaining a disciplined eating and exercise regime. It was a form of control as I tried to make my way in an industry in which actors are pretty much powerless.”
The Outlander star was inspired to write Waypoints while taking part in the West Highland Way, a 96-mile hike from Milngavie to Fort William.
He didn't get his challenge off to the best start. After just two days, he felt he'd "maybe set his goals too high" as he was carrying so much equipment. He even joked: " I started the walk with maybe a large ego, thinking i was reasonably fit and I had all the gear."
But after a shaky start, he was able to get into the swing of it and decided he was going to walk the full trail in just five days - which is an average of about 20 miles a day.
In the book he also opens up about his father's death and other personal 'waypoints' that define him.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here .
