Singer Tom Grennan has spoken openly about how therapy has helped him cope with body dysmorphia, calling himself his “own biggest critic.” Appearing on his BBC podcast You About? with broadcaster Roman Kemp, Grennan revealed the challenges he has faced with his body image and eating patterns, and how professional support has guided him toward a healthier mindset.
“I definitely have body dysmorphia,” Grennan admitted. “I’m always constantly thinking I am bigger than I am. Or I’m always pinching my belly. It’s not a healthy mindset at all, and I fully admit that.”
The 30-year-old singer explained how his relationship with exercise and food has, at times, been damaging. “Sometimes I wouldn’t be training for the purpose of staying fit,” he said. “I’d have a binge with eating and then I’d be like, ‘I need to go and train now to make sure these calories or this food isn’t put on to me.’ It’s an unhealthy way of being.”
These thoughts often spiral into guilt, especially after eating binges. Even small things—like one biscuit turning into half a packet—can leave him fearing: “I’m gonna be fat. I’m gonna be so unfit.” His partner has often reassured him that his self-perception is distorted, but Grennan noted the fear of slipping back into old habits remains strong.
The singer, who was physically attacked in his youth—a trauma he has previously said sent him “spiralling”—explained that therapy has been crucial in helping him reach a healthier place. “Right now I’m in a good place with it,” Grennan said, adding that therapy has helped him “actually love yourself more.”
What Is Body Dysmorphia?
According to the NHS, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance—flaws that are often invisible to others. It affects both men and women but is most common in teenagers and young adults.
Having BDD is not about vanity or self-obsession. Instead, it’s a serious condition that can deeply affect mental health and daily life. Symptoms may include:
- Obsessively worrying about a specific body area
- Comparing oneself constantly with others
- Spending excessive time in front of mirrors or avoiding them altogether
- Attempting to hide flaws with clothing or makeup
- Picking at skin or over-focusing on body parts
If left untreated, BDD can lead to anxiety, depression, and disordered eating patterns, as Grennan himself described.
Body Image Pressure in Show Business
Roman Kemp, Grennan’s co-host, also shared his own struggles. “I can’t look at a picture of myself if it’s on the day because it will upset me for the rest of the day,” Kemp revealed, noting that his self-criticism often overshadows his actual work.
He also recalled his modeling days, where he witnessed extreme pressures in the fashion industry. At one Milan show, he said a model fainted on stage after refusing food. More recently, body dysmorphia a stranger in a pub commented on his weight, reflecting how damaging casual remarks about appearance can be.
Finding Peace of Mind
Grennan emphasized that life experience, heartbreak, and his mother’s advice shaped the songs on his new album, Everywhere I Went, Led Me to Where I Didn’t Want to Be. He shared how he once pushed himself relentlessly to achieve fame, but now values mental well-being above all.
“Peace of mind is my mantra at the moment,” he said. “When you’ve got peace of mind, everything falls into place and you can see your way out of anything.”
Mental Health Insights
Grennan’s story reflects the reality that mental health struggles affect everyone—even successful public figures. Body dysmorphia is often misunderstood, but raising awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek help.
Therapy, self-compassion practices, healthy routines, and support from loved ones are proven ways to manage conditions like BDD. Public conversations, like those between Grennan and Kemp, play an important role in normalizing mental health discussions and breaking down societal pressure around body image.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) –
1. What is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)?
BDD is a mental health condition where individuals obsess over perceived flaws in their appearance, often leading to anxiety, depression, and unhealthy coping behaviors.
2. How is BDD different from low self-esteem?
While low self-esteem can make someone feel insecure, BDD involves obsessive and intrusive thoughts about appearance that significantly interfere with daily life.
3. What are common triggers for body dysmorphia?
Social media, bullying, negative comments, past trauma, and societal beauty standards are common triggers.
4. How can therapy help with body dysmorphia?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in challenging distorted thoughts and developing healthier coping mechanisms.
5. Can men have body dysmorphia too?
Yes. Although often associated with women, many men—like Tom Grennan—struggle with BDD, especially related to weight, muscle size, or fitness.
