Hi Everyone,

I’m Mia, and I want to take you on my journey – from recognising and developing my struggle with anorexia and how this majorly impacted my life to the amazing things I have achieved through recovery. I hope my story inspires you, and know if you are struggling, recovery is possible.

How it Began

In January 2023, I began attending exercise classes with my mum a few times a week to balance the stress of studying for my A-levels. It gave me a healthy outlet and time to switch off from revision. At that point, I had no focus on calories — I simply enjoyed moving my body.

After finishing my exams in June 2023, I took up boxing and began the Couch to 5K programme. I couldn’t run for more than a minute at first, but I loved challenging myself. Over six months, I lost weight naturally and felt stronger — until I started following a strict diet plan, and things began to change.

Starting University — and Losing Control

September 2023 arrived, and with it, one of the biggest moments of my life: moving two hours away from home to start vet school. I was so excited to begin this new chapter, but I soon realised how hard it was to juggle an intense degree, the gym, cooking, cleaning, and a social life. I started losing weight rapidly and found myself restricting food more and more. Preparing my own meals gave me a sense of control, but it quickly became unhealthy.

By December, I began noticing the warning signs. I was scared to come off my diet plan or skip a gym session. When my university counsellor told me that anorexia can sometimes be a way of finding control when life feels out of control, it made sense and resonated deeply with me. During a family trip to Edinburgh for the Christmas markets, I realised how much my mindset had changed — I felt anxious about eating pancakes, waffles, or burgers- foods I used to love. That was when I knew something wasn’t right.

The Difficult Decision

In February 2024, I made the difficult decision to leave university as my mental health was declining and I began questioning my career and life choices. It wasn’t until I returned home that I realised how much control food had over me. Even when my parents cooked, I found myself refusing certain foods and strictly managing what I ate. The real wake-up call came when my friend’s mum commented on how thin I’d become — and that my hair was starting to fall out. That was the moment I truly saw how far things had gone. Food and exercise consumed my life for the majority of 2024. I would plan meals days in advance, call restaurants to find calorie counts, and restrict all day if I knew I was eating out. The gym, which had once been my safe space, had become a punishment — a way to stay “skinny.”

Rebuilding My Strength

Everything began to change in March 2025, when I signed up for my first Hyrox — a fitness race combining running, endurance, and strength. I found a coach, Shannon, who had experience both in the event and in overcoming under-eating. She helped me reframe my mindset: food wasn’t the enemy — it was fuel.

I started focusing on performance rather than appearance. Slowly, I began to eat to support my training. In June, I completed my first Hyrox — solo, after my friend had to drop out due to injury. I had put on muscle, become stronger, and even started running weekly. It felt amazing to achieve something I once thought was impossible.

That summer, I signed up for a half-marathon and my first official solo Hyrox, which is in December. I also did a practice solo in August, cutting ten minutes off my time in just two months. I couldn’t have done it without properly fuelling myself — and honestly, I even looked forward to carb-loading the night before!

Ongoing Recovery and What I’ve Learned

Recovery isn’t a straight path. In September 2025, I faced some difficult family news and found myself wanting to control food again — my old coping mechanism. But this time, I had support. My coach and I worked through it, focusing on what truly mattered: my well-being. I kept challenging myself — eating out, not tracking, and letting go of the guilt.

And just recently, in October 2025, I completed my first half-marathon and second Hyrox in a double with my Mum, which was special to share this sport and help her complete one. The support, the energy, and the reminder of how far I’ve come made it all worth it. I am still training for my solo in December and beginning a growth phase for my pro race.

I’ve also reapplied to vet school — this time, ready to return stronger, healthier, and determined not to let an eating disorder stand in the way of my dreams.

Finally

Eating Disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. If you’re struggling, please know this: recovery is possible. It’s not easy, but it’s worth every step. Reach out for help — talk to someone you trust, a counsellor, or a charity like First Steps ED, who support university students too. Let’s stand together to raise awareness and beat eating disorders.