Having anorexia or bulimia isn't a choice: Demi Lovato

Los Angeles: Demi Lovato, who has been a longtime advocate for those struggling with eating disorders, has called on people to rethink how people view those who are dealing with a debilitating illness like anorexia or bulimia.

The 22-year-old singer took to Twitter to address the issue, reported E!Online.

"Having an eating disorder doesn't show 'strength.' Strength is when are able to overcome your demons after being sick and tired for so long. There's a wide misconception that anorexia and/or bulimia is a choice and you often hear people say things like 'why doesn't she just start eating?' Or even 'just stop throwing up'.

"It's the ignorance and lack of education on mental illnesses that continues to (put) mental health care on the back burner to congress even though this is an epidemic that is sweeping our nation, and causing more and more tragedy every day," she tweeted.