Strictly's John Whaite shares life-changing diagnosis after health struggles

22 August 2023 , 09:05

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Strictly Come Dancing star John explained that his diagnosis made a lot of sense (Image: Instagram)

John Whaite has shared an insight into his lifestyle and his recent medical diagnosis which has completely changed his life.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant recently confirmed his ADHD diagnosis and revealed he was suffering from ADHD burnout. John, 34, says that his news explains a lot about his hyperactivity, alcohol abuse, eating disorder struggles and depression.

The Chorley-born star has been extremely open about his struggles with eating over the years and has documented his journey with bulimia. John first experienced disordered eating while studying Law at the University of Manchester after previously dropping out of Oxford University where he had been studying Modern and Medieval Languages.

John Whaite has opened up on the toll finding fame aged 23 had on him (BBC)

The baker and presenter said his ADHD diagnosis completely changed his life (Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Speaking to the PA News Agency, John said: "It's remarkable that since starting my ADHD medication four weeks ago I haven't had one episode of binge eating. And when you look at studies on the link between ADHD and alcoholism, bulimia and binge eating, in America the medication that I'm on they use to treat binge eating disorder.

"So, I now think I've never had depression. I have ADHD burnout, where I get so physically and emotionally exhausted because of my hyperactivity that I can’t function. But ADHD is not an excuse for my behaviour, ADHD is an infliction, but it is now also my responsibility."

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In his memoir, John opens up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and his bulimia which catapulted to new levels after he found fame on Bake Off, which he won aged just 23 in 2012. As he was gripped by mental struggles, his partner Paul Atkins was left trying to pick up the pieces.

But while John previously believed he was suffering from depression, it was a friend who alerted him to the fact he may have ADVD after reading a manuscript of his book. His pal suggested he should get himself checked out, so he put himself through the long process.

Currently, the waiting list for autism and ADHD assessments in England is approximately six to nine months. But while some may believe that a diagnosis is as simple as attending a GP appointment, John was keen to dismiss this. He said: "It's psychiatrists, psychologists, questionnaires, your family's involved. It's a very lengthy process."

Since his diagnosis, John says his life has been completely transformed his life but he continues to live with bulimia and alcoholism at the back of his mind. The baker recently confirmed he and Paul secretly split following his stint on Strictly but they're now happier than ever.

PA