'I'm addicted to eating toilet roll - munching 75 sheets a day causes big issue'

03 March 2023 , 15:55

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Kesha started eating toilet roll when she was in the sixth grade (Image: tlc uk/Youtube)

While there's nothing wrong with eating your favourite sugary snack every now and then, it can become an issue if you develop an addiction to it. However, one woman has a more concerning problem than gorging on crisps, cake or chocolate, as she has admitted to being addicted to eating TOILET ROLL.

Kesha, from Chicago, America, appeared on TLC's My Strange Addiction to spread awareness about her unusual habit known as xylophagia, an eating disorder involving the consumption of paper. The 34-year-old has been munching her way through around 75 sheets every day for the last 23 years, with her mum saying it's "like crack" to her.

She says childhood trauma sparked her addiction (tlc uk/Youtube)

Kesha believes her addiction is linked to childhood trauma as in sixth grade she moved out of her family home to live with her grandma and aunty.

She said: "I think I crave it because I love the way the toilet paper feels on my tongue, how it dissolves when it hits my tongue."

Although she prefers two-ply as it's "easier to digest", Kesha says she experiences "stomach cramps" and has a "hard time going to the bathroom" if she eats too much.

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Her mum said: "Every time I'd see Kesha, she'd have tissue in her hand and she'd try to hide it behind her back.

“If you tried to take it from her she'd get upset. I've never been able to understand why she eats tissue, and I never will."

However, Kesha never realised quite how harmful her condition is until psychiatrist Kimm Dennis told her about the impact it's having on her body.

Kimm said: "If your intestines rupture inside your abdomen, that could be fatal, and could be fatal pretty quickly. You’re putting your body at risk and really playing Russian roulette with your life."

Knowing she'll struggle to go cold turkey to overcome her addiction, he advised her to swap toilet roll for wet wipes as they're moist and indigestible.

If you're struggling with an eating disorder, body image, or just need somebody to speak to, please contact Beat, a 365 days a year helpline open from 9am until 12am on weekdays and 4pm until 12am on weekends.

Alternatively, the Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email [email protected] or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.

Paige Freshwater