Sharna Burgess opens up about her long fight with body dysmorphia and food struggles
Sharna Burgess, renowned for her participation in Dancing With the Stars, has candidly discussed her prolonged battle with food and body dysmorphia. The professional dancer faced intense pressure from a young age, leading to harmful eating habits that persisted for years. Now in her 30s, she has finally cultivated a healthier relationship with food.
Burgess first encountered weight pressures as a teenager. At just 15, she was weighed every two days as part of her dance training. This early scrutiny shaped a complicated relationship with food that followed her into adulthood.
Her career in dance reinforced negative body image. By the time she joined Dancing With the Stars in 2011, her perspective on her own body had deteriorated. She developed cycles of bingeing and restricting, struggling to break free from the pattern. Change came gradually in her 30s. With support from No Food Rules, an organization focused on healthy eating habits, Burgess began rebuilding her approach to food. The guidance helped her move away from extreme behaviors and toward balance.
Burgess’s journey reflects the challenges many dancers face under pressure. After years of struggle, she now advocates for a more sustainable way of living. Her story highlights how professional demands can shape personal health—and how support can make a difference.
