At first glance, you wouldn’t suspect that Fiona Chrystall, an amateur Mixed Martial Arts fighter, ever had a problem with her weight. However, in a recent story, the young athlete opened up about her past battle with anorexia. Her testimony shows that recovery is possible, no matter how far gone someone may appear.

At 25 years old, Chrystall is a healthy young athlete, but according to Bleacher Report, at one point her 5 foot, 3 inch frame only weighed about 66 pounds. Chrystall’s battle with anorexia first began around age 11. In an Instagram post that recently went viral, Chrystall shared an image of herself at her worst, sharing that doctors once described her as a “lost cause” who would always suffer with anorexia until the disease eventually killed her. Chrystall explained how family rushed her to the hospital a total of seven times over the course of her disease to have doctors force-feed her via a feeding tube in an attempt to keep her alive. However, seven years later, Chrystall looks nothing like her former self; she is strong, athletic, and most importantly, happy.

Read: Anorexia And Bulimia: Brains Of People With Eating Disorders Communicate Backward

Chrystall explains she got into fighting accidentally, but now credits the sport with helping her recover from anorexia. Still, she admits that the disease will always haunt her and she had to make a conscious effort to fight against a relapse.

"I put the emphasis now on being strong and fit and healthy, rather than looking like a skeleton," Chrystall told Bleacher Report. "I still have these thoughts, but in a place where I can logically battle them."

Anorexia nervosa is a serious medical condition characterized by an unhealthy obsession with one’s weight. According to Eating Disorder Hope, there are two main forms of anorexia: Anorexia Nervosa Binge, where individuals will eat large amounts of food and then either vomit or exercise excessively to make up for it; or restrictive anorexia nervosa, in which individuals restrict the amount of food they eat to dangerous levels. Although the disease is serious and life-threatening, recovery is possible and about two-thirds of young women with the disease can make a full recovery with the help of treatment.

 

Final, Things I wish id known about recovery #day7: There is no such thing as a lost cause. ------------------------ Right be kind! Ive never shown anyone the photo on the left apart from my family and close friends _ And I know its not pretty but be kind and bear with me! At 18 me and my wee maw were told i was a lost cause, Id had it so long and was so far gone that I would probably always be a chronic anorexic. At the time I was happy as anything, I had no desire to get better. But i know girls that have been told the same who are trying their best. At no point does recovery become unacheivable. It is possible and it is wonderful. Keep fighting little warriors. Www.b-eat.co.uk ------------------- #edaw2017 #anorexia #bullimia #anarecovery #miarecovery #recovery #edrecovery #edwarriors #mentalhealthawareness #fitness #stringisthenewskinny #wmma #secretlifeoffeedor #backtofightystuffnow

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People With Anorexia Show Different Brain Activity, Which May Explain Why They Can't Just Eat Healthy