Demi Lovato has opened up about her struggle with an eating disorder

Demi Lovato has spoken out about her battle with aneating disorder. The X Factor USA judge has been relatively open about her struggle with bulimia since she left rehab in 2011, where she received treatment for the disorder, along with self harming.

Hidden issues

The 20-year-old explained how she would like to use her experiences to help other young women across the world by telling her story.

"I was about 12 or 13 when I developed my eating disorder, and at that time nobody in the public eye talked about their body issues."

"I feel that if someone had admitted they had a problem, then I wouldnt have gone down that route myself."

"Thats my goal in talking about my problems. I want to be the person for other girls that I needed to admire when I was looking for help and strength."

Speaking about her current role on the X Factor, the singer conceded that despite loving the job, she wasnt ready to take it on so soon after she came out of treatment.

"I dont think I was ready when I started on The X Factor. In an ideal situation I would have maybe waited a year or more."

"I dived into work really quickly and maybe that wasnt the best idea at the time, but the place I am in today is so much better than I could have ever imagined, so Im really glad."

Demi believes that she has come a long way since those darker days and is now looking to the future.Opening upabout her love life, she let on that she was single, but is waiting for a man who can take her as she is.

"Im a southern Texas girl - I have a really strong personality," she divulged.

"I speak my mind and I dont hold back Im the type of woman who doesnt put up with bullshi! t, so when I date I have to find someone who wont either."

"I dont think any woman should ever hold back what shes really thinking.

Well said, Demi!