Hilary Duff reveals she had ‘horrifying’ eating disorder aged 17 because she thought ‘actresses are skinny’

Hilary Duff has revealed that she suffered with a "horrifying" eating disorder at age 17.

The actress said she got so caught up in the Hollywood body ideal that women should be thin, that for a year she put her health at risk to fit in.

"Because of my career path, I can’t help but be like I am on camera and actresses are skinny. It was horrifying," she said.

Duff, 35, found fame as a child thanks to roles in Casper Meets Wendy (1998) and her Disney Channel series Lizzie McGuire from 2001 to 2004.

However, the actress says she’s since learned to love her body.

"[I’m] appreciating my health, doing activities that make me feel strong instead of just bettering the outside of my body," she added to the current issue of Australia’s Women’s Health magazine.

"Spending time with people that make me feel good and share similar views on health and body positivity and getting enough sleep and balance in my diet."

The star, who shares three children with husband Matthew Koma, added: "[I’m] appreciating my health, doing activities that make me feel strong instead of just bettering the outside of my body.

"Spending time with people that make me feel good and share similar views on health and body positivity and getting enough sleep and balance in my diet."

Duff’s personal trainer Dominic Leeder also told the magazine that although she’s fit and healthy being so isn’t her top priority.

"I don’t feel like she’ll mind me saying this: yes, her fitness and health are hugely important to Hilary.

“What’s more important to her is her family and work," he said.

The actress also spoke about her relationship with her body when she posed nude for the cover of Women’s Health in May.