Candace Cameron Bure—known to millions as D.J. Tanner from the hit sitcom Full House—has recently opened up about her early experiences with body image. At just 12 years old, when most kids are still discovering who they are, Candace says she was already placed on a diet. Her story sheds light on the silent pressures child stars face behind the scenes—and the long-lasting impact it can have on their mental health and self-worth.
1. The Beginnings of a Childhood in the Spotlight
Candace started working on Full House at the age of 11. As the eldest Tanner daughter, she quickly became a fan favorite. But behind the sweet smile and sitcom success, a different story was unfolding—a story of insecurity and unrealistic expectations.
2. Dieting at 12: A “Preventive” Move Gone Wrong
Candace recently revealed that she was placed on her first diet at just 12 years old. According to her, it wasn’t because she was overweight—it was a precaution. Her parents, aware of the entertainment industry’s pressure on appearance, believed this was a way to prepare her for the spotlight.
3. The Home Environment Fueled the Diet Culture
It wasn’t just Hollywood. Candace recalls her entire household being diet-focused. Her mom, sisters—everyone was trying to lose weight or stay thin. That normalized dieting behavior from a young age and made her feel her natural body wasn’t enough.
4. “Shape Up” – The Episode That Hit Too Close to Home
One of Full House‘s most memorable episodes features D.J. going on a crash diet to look good at a pool party. Ironically, this plot mirrored Candace’s real-life experience. She had recently lost weight in real life, and that was written into the show. Though the message aimed to be positive, Candace said filming it was deeply awkward and uncomfortable.
5. Was There an Eating Disorder During Her Childhood?
Candace makes it clear: she did not have an eating disorder as a child. Though the constant dieting impacted her mindset, she didn’t fall into disordered eating until later. The issue at that time was more about appearance anxiety and emotional insecurity than any specific illness.
6. Teenage Weight Loss—Not for Fame, But for Fitness
At 16, Candace did intentionally lose weight—about 20 pounds—but under the supervision of a trainer. This time, she says, it was motivated by a desire to feel strong and energetic, not due to pressure or fear.
7. Post-Show Struggles: When Bulimia Took Over
After Full House ended, Candace moved to Montreal with her husband. The isolation, shift in identity, and loneliness led to emotional eating. Binging and purging became her way of coping. This is when her battle with bulimia truly began.
8. The Turning Point: Reaching Out for Help
Candace eventually confided in her family and her pastor. That was the beginning of her healing journey. With therapy, support, and faith, she started to break free from the cycle. But the mental battle, she admits, didn’t end there.
9. Recovery Isn’t Linear—It’s Ongoing
Even today, Candace says the thoughts haven’t entirely left her. She considers herself in recovery, but not fully free. She still leans on therapy tools and mental strategies to manage lingering body image issues.
10. “I Still Say I’m Bulimic” – The Lingering Mindset
This powerful quote from Candace sums it up. While she no longer engages in harmful behaviors, the mindset doesn’t disappear overnight. Recovery is not just about stopping the actions—it’s about reprogramming your thinking.
11. Looking Back: The Impact of Dieting at 12
Candace has expressed that being put on diets so young shaped her self-image deeply. It made her feel her natural self wasn’t acceptable. That idea followed her for years and played a role in how she coped with life’s challenges.
12. Her Message to Parents and Industry Professionals
Her story is a wake-up call. Well-meaning decisions—like early dieting—can have unintended emotional consequences. Parents and adults need to be aware of the long-term mental impact these choices can have on young people.
13. The Dangers of Diet Culture in Hollywood
Child actors often face extreme pressure to look a certain way. Candace’s story is just one example. From wardrobe decisions to comments from producers, young performers are often subtly conditioned to prioritize appearance over well-being.
14. Body Positivity, Faith, and Personal Growth
Through years of work, Candace has come to a better place. Her faith played a major role, giving her the strength and perspective to find peace. She also learned to replace self-criticism with self-compassion, even during tough days.
15. What We Can Learn From Her Journey
Candace’s transparency helps others feel seen. Her honesty reminds us that recovery is possible—and that we need to rethink how we talk about bodies, especially with kids. It’s not just about being healthy—it’s about being whole.
Conclusion
Candace Cameron Bure’s admission that she began dieting at 12 highlights how even well-intended choices can send the wrong message. Her journey through dieting, bulimia, and ultimately recovery sheds light on the pressures young girls—especially in the public eye—face every day. But her story is also one of hope. It shows that with the right tools, support, and mindset, healing is possible. Candace is more than a star—she’s a survivor and a voice for change.
FAQs
1. Why did Candace Cameron Bure start dieting at 12?
Her parents introduced her to dieting to prepare her for possible Hollywood pressure, even though she wasn’t overweight.
2. Did she develop an eating disorder as a child?
No, her eating disorder started later in life, in her early 20s, after Full House ended.
3. What caused her bulimia?
Feelings of isolation and loss of identity after her move to Montreal contributed to her emotional struggles and unhealthy coping habits.
4. How did she recover from her eating disorder?
Through therapy, spiritual guidance, family support, and mental health tools, Candace began her journey of recovery.
5. Does she still struggle with body image today?
Yes, she openly admits that while the behaviors have stopped, the thoughts still linger. She actively uses tools to manage them.
