On Saturday, April 19, 2025, Paola Saluzzi was a guest on Monica Setta's show 'Storie di donne al bivio', where she opened up about her long and difficult battle with eating disorders. Saluzzi, a beloved television presenter in Italy, shared her personal experiences, shedding light on an issue that has affected many, especially young people. Her story aims to raise awareness and encourage those facing similar struggles to seek help.
Saluzzi began her narrative by recalling how her relationship with food began at a very young age. "When I had any problems, I would shut down with food, I would punish myself," she explained. This behavior intensified during her adolescence, a time when many young people face their own challenges. "If something went wrong, I felt I shouldn't nourish myself, for any reason," she added, highlighting the severity of her situation.
Throughout the show, Saluzzi emphasized that many young people today experience similar difficulties but often lack the courage to speak about them. Her hope is that by sharing her story, she can contribute to greater awareness and provide concrete help to those in distress. This message of openness and support is crucial for addressing such a delicate topic.
Reflecting on her time at 'Uno Mattina', where she co-hosted alongside the late Luca Giurato, who passed away in 2024, Saluzzi recounted how she was going through a particularly tough time in her personal life. This struggle led her to stop eating and to hide her distress from others. "Luca noticed my state and invited me to breakfast together," she recalled. During this meal, she tried to play with her food, avoiding actually eating. Giurato, aware of her situation, took a firm approach and told her, "Now enough, you need to eat this, you have to finish it."
This moment marked a turning point for Saluzzi, who felt exposed and ashamed. "From that moment on, something changed within me," she said, underscoring the importance of support and understanding from loved ones.
Years later, Saluzzi faced the onset of bulimia, which she described as a devastating experience. "Eating and then feeling the need to purge immediately afterward was terrible," she explained. In contrast, during her struggles with anorexia, she felt a sense of satisfaction when she didn't eat at all. This contrast highlights the complexity of eating disorders and how they can manifest in various forms.
Over time, Saluzzi found the strength to confront and overcome these challenges, aided by the love and concern of those around her, especially her mother. "My mom would call me and say she noticed I was getting thinner on TV," she remembered. Despite the difficulties, Paola has managed to accept herself and rebuild her relationship with food, demonstrating that recovery is possible.
Saluzzi's journey serves as a powerful message of hope for those battling similar issues. She has become an advocate for raising awareness about eating disorders, which remain a prevalent problem among adolescents and young women but can affect individuals of any age and gender. Her testimony aims to inspire others to seek help and to recognize the signs of eating disorders early.
In an interview, Saluzzi expressed her thoughts on the pressures women face, particularly in a society that often demands perfection. "It's that moment I carve out for myself, a true luxury. As multitasking women, we should allow ourselves this," she said, emphasizing the importance of self-care and not ignoring the signals from one's own body.
Today, Paola Saluzzi is a symbol of resilience, showing that it is possible to rise from a dark period. Her balance between body and mind is the result of a long journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. She has become a familiar face on television, known for her ability to tackle sensitive topics with empathy and sincerity, offering her experiences as a source of reflection and encouragement for those in need.
Saluzzi's story is not just a personal account of struggle; it is a beacon of hope for many who feel trapped in their own battles with food and self-image. By sharing her journey, she invites others to recognize their worth and to seek the support they need to heal.
