In a recent episode of the podcast, Delta Burke, the renowned star of ‘Designing Women,’ opened up about her arduous battle with body image and the toll it took on her mental and physical health.
During the height of her career, Burke faced relentless criticism for her weight gain. The constant scrutiny left her emotionally vulnerable and unable to cope with the pervasive negativity. As conventional appetite suppressants became ineffective, she turned to illegal drugs, including crystal meth.
Burke recounted a distressing incident where a fan accosted her and crudely demanded to see how overweight she had become. She also faced persistent inquiries about pregnancy, making the situation even more unbearable.
Initially, Burke consumed prescription pills known as ‘Black Beauties,’ which she had obtained in London, but upon returning to the United States, she discovered their illegal status. She later found an accomplice on set who smuggled the pills for her, enabling her to continue using them.
Burke described these pills as ‘medicine,’ allowing her to control her appetite. However, as their effectiveness waned, she sought alternative methods of weight control.
Ultimately, someone offered her crystal meth, and she began consuming it before work, resulting in extended periods without food. Despite her efforts, the criticism persisted, leading to a decline in her self-esteem.
Burke reflected on her experiences, recognizing the damaging effects of Hollywood’s unrealistic beauty standards. She expressed regret over her attempts to conform to these expectations and the toll it took on her well-being. Ultimately, she realized that true happiness stemmed from accepting and embracing her natural appearance.
