Singer Ariana Grande has been the subject of many comments since the release of the music video for the song “petal”, on July 31, 2026. The comments, which led the artist to step away from the spotlight, are mainly focused on her physical shape, which has been considered excessively thin by many.
Fans showed great concern in the comments of the music video. “When is someone going to step in to help? She’s wasting away,” asked one person on YouTube. Another fan wrote, “I pray Ariana gets the help she desperately needs.” A third user said: “It’s not normal to be able to see someone’s ribs, bones and tendons so clearly… she has talent and a beautiful voice, I hope the people around her help her realize the danger she is in.”
The discussion on social media continued with internet users suggesting that the 33-year-old artist could be facing an eating disorder. Although there is no official confirmation from the singer or her team about any health problems, Ariana’s most recent images have boosted dialogue about these conditions. Psychologist Juliana Pereira considers that, although it is irresponsible to make a diagnosis based on appearance alone, the attention generated serves as a chance to approach the topic seriously. She explains that eating disorders are not a choice, nor a matter of vanity or lack of willpower.
For those who actually live with an eating disorder, psychologist Juliana Pereira emphasizes that it is a mistake to wait for the problem to become visible before taking action. She clarifies that suffering often begins well before any significant physical changes. The expert adds that, if a person starts to live according to food, calories, the scale or their own image, this is already a warning sign. The sooner treatment is started, the better the results.
The psychologist details that monitoring individuals with eating disorders requires a multidisciplinary team, as the condition affects both the body and mental health. Juliana Pereira states that psychotherapy helps in understanding what the disorder is trying to communicate. Often, a troubled relationship with food is just a symptom of deeper emotional suffering.
Identifying the signs of an eating disorder
Some changes in behavior may indicate the need to seek help. Psychologist Juliana Pereira mentions that avoiding family meals, eliminating food categories without medical advice or constantly discussing weight and calories are some of these signs. Furthermore, excessive physical exercise and persistent discomfort with one’s appearance also signal that something may be wrong. She adds that mood changes, such as irritability and social isolation, especially in moments involving food, are equally common.
The recommendation for people close to you is to understand that confrontation or criticism rarely helps. Phrases like ‘just eat’ or ‘you’re exaggerating’ tend to intensify the guilt and make the person close down even more. The most effective path is to demonstrate true concern, offer listening and encourage the search for professional help. Often, the greatest support someone can receive is realizing that they don’t have to face this situation alone.
Other signs may also be observed, depending on the specific type of disorder. According to information from Albert Einstein Hospital, diseases such as anorexia nervosa, marked by dietary restriction, can present serious symptoms, including anemia, absence of menstruation in women, hypothermia and distortion of body image. Bulimia can lead to gastrointestinal problems and dehydration.
Warning signs for eating disorders:
- Avoid family or group meals;
- Cut out entire food groups without medical advice;
- Constantly talking about weight, calories or weight loss;
- Exercising intensely and exaggeratedly;
- Showing dissatisfaction or constant discomfort with one’s own appearance;
- Experience mood changes, such as irritability;
- Socially isolating yourself, especially in situations involving food.
- Extreme food restriction;
- Anemia;
- Absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) in women;
- Hypothermia;
- Distortion of one’s own body image;
- Gastrointestinal problems;
- Dehydration.
Learn about the most common types of eating disorders
According to Albert Einstein Hospital, the three most common types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder.
Anorexia nervosa is associated with an obsessive fear of gaining weight. Individuals with this condition refuse to eat and often distort their image, seeing themselves as being well above their ideal weight. Bulimia, in turn, involves the disordered ingestion of large amounts of food, driven by binge eating. However, after consumption, the patient adopts compensatory behaviors, which may include induction of vomiting, excessive physical exercise or frequent use of laxatives.
Finally, binge eating disorder is characterized by excessive food consumption. Unlike bulimia, the patient does not present compensatory behaviors. This condition can result in significant weight gain and, consequently, obesity.
Approaches to treating eating disorders
According to Albert Einstein Hospital, treatment is conducted through an individualized assessment, which considers the severity and history of each patient. Generally, the process is multidisciplinary, involving professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists and nutritionists in the support and care network.
