Jana Duggar of 19 Kids and Counting fame is planning on exiting the popular TV reality show. As the oldest of one of the world’s most famous large families, Jana feels that she’s been placed in the role of 24/7 nanny and housekeeper, from caring for her smaller siblings or facilitating her parents’ date nights, reported the Hollywood Gossip .
So what’s next for Jana?
“She told her parents that she was looking at Christian colleges and would be applying soon,” revealed an insider.
“Jana knows she needs to get on with her education if she doesn’t want to be stuck at her mom and dad’s house in Arkansas for the rest of her life.”
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But the rest of the family aren’t planning on exiting the show anytime soon. Instead, the matriarch of the 19 Kids and Counting family, Michelle Duggar , is providing more details about her personal life, including her battle with bulimia, reported Us Weekly .
“Before I came to know the Lord, I had been struggling in my self-worth, just feeling like I needed to measure up with all of my friends around me,” explained Michelle. “I just really began to have a wrong view of who I was and felt like I gained weight so easily.”
At 48, Michelle made the decision to reveal her eating disorder now because she hopes her honesty will inspire others to follow her lead.
“I ended up starting a bad habit of making myself get sick after I would eat, especially if I had more food than I felt like I should eat,” Michelle recalled about her bulimia. “And it was destructive for my health and my life.”
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Duggar believes, however, that a struggle with body image is an inevitable part of growing up, especially for girls. As a result, she talks with all of her 19 kids-and-counting young ones about weight and health.
“I think all girls probably struggle with the same body issues. The struggle is going to be there. And I just talk with my kids — my girls, my boys — and I’m honest with them about the things that I struggled with.”
Michelle Duggar isn’t alone in opening up about an eating disorder battle. As the Inquisitr reported, Lady Gaga also has spoken out about her own past struggles with bulimia and anorexia. Like the matriarch of 19 Kids And Counting , Gaga said she made the choice to do so because she wants to help young girls realize that recovery is possible.
And after all those children, Michelle has made peace with her own body image , reported Today . She credits her Christian faith for helping her.
“I am not the center of my universe, Jesus is,” declared Michelle.
The Duggar parents also rely on their religion to motivate them to care for their health.
“I don’t want to get up at 6 in the morning and get on the elliptical, but I take myself off the throne and put Jesus on the throne.”
In addition, Michelle praised her husband, Jim Bob, for his own positive attitude about her appearance.
“Jim Bob has NEVER put me down for my body. He has NEVER mocked me for my mommy tummy,” emphasized the proud wife. “He is one of my biggest encouragers.”
[Image Via TLC ]