Owens reveals he suffers from bulimia

Welsh rugby referee Nigel Owens has revealed that he suffers from bulimia.

The highly regarded referee has opened up about the disorder, stating that he has been suffering from the condition since he was 18.

Owens will feature on BBC’s Panorama programme on Monday evening, where he will discuss the issue in full, including detailing how he developed the condition when he was dealing with coming to terms with being gay earlier in his life.

“I was 16.5 stones. My belly was hanging over the front of my trousers. There was no way these guys were going to fancy me looking like that, so I started making myself sick,” said Owens.

“For those who are caught up in eating disorders and say there’s nothing they can do about it, I understand what they are saying because it takes you over and you feel there is nothing you can do.

“But I would urge anyone suffering to do something – seek professional advice, tell people about it. Don’t hide it, don’t lie about it, that’s a great first step.

“I thought I was in control but since making the Panorama programme, I’ve realised I’m not. I came back from refereeing the England summer tour in Argentina a few weeks ago. While I was out there I made myself sick three to four times – I think because I was eating more food than I needed. It’s been a reality check. Speaking to experts I acknowledge now that I need to do something, to sit down and speak to someone and try and get this out of my life forever.”

Owens also revealed that he used a condition of bowel disorder as an excuse to make frequent visits to the bathroom.

“I suffered from mild colitis, so would use that as an ideal excuse to friends when I had to slip off to the toilet all the time,” said Owens. “I was lying and being sly. Before long I was bringing up every meal I ate.”

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