Former 'AGT' Finalist, 22, Reveals She Has Bones Of '80-Year-Old' Due To Anorexia

Former "America's Got Talent" finalist Jackie Evancho revealed that she has been diagnosed with osteoporosis and has the bones of an "80-year-old" after battling with anorexia for seven years, according to People.

The now 22-year-old singer, who won second place on the popular show at the young age of 10, opened up about her struggle with the eating disorder and her recent diagnosis of anorexia-led osteoporosis in a recent interview with the outlet.

The popular "AGT" alum developed the eating disorder when she was 15. While going through puberty, Evancho noticed herself getting bigger and went on a mild diet and workout routine. However, the condition eventually went out of hand over the years as she started eating very less.

Evancho first sought outpatient treatment for the disorder when she was 17. Her condition grew worse during the COVID-19 lockdown.

However, Evancho said she was unaware of her bone disorder until 2021 when a car accident broke her back in two separate places. "They were abnormal breaks, breaks that you see in 80-year-olds. That's how I learned that my eating problems created osteoporosis. So now I'm a 22-year-old with osteoporosis," Evancho said.

Even after finding out about her bone disorder, Evancho could not manage anorexia properly. Although she ate well for some time so that her bones would heal, the anorexia soon forced her to go on diet.

"I had to eat [for my bones] to heal, and that really messed me up with my eating problems, because I was gaining weight to heal," she recalled. "Once I finally healed, my disorder said, 'OK, now you've got to be really hard on yourself to get all of that out of you . . . and then some."

Although the singer is still battling the disorder, she now got help from a nutritionist and therapist and undergoes a type of psychotherapy to help her manage the condition.

"I'm still struggling, but I'm fighting, which is good because a year ago I was giving in to it completely, and that's so dark and painful. I'm not healthy yet, but I have been able to implement healthy coping skills and better eating habits," Evancho, who is now preparing for the September release of "Carousel Life," a cover album of Joni Mitchell songs, said further.

Osteoporosis is a common risk among women with eating disorders, especially anorexia nervosa. Around 75% of women that fit the criteria for anorexia nervosa display signs of bone mineral deficiency, according to Eating Disorder Hope.