'Riverdale's Camila Mendes Explains How Costume Fittings Led To Eating Disorder Treatment

Camila Mendes, known for her spunky, say-it-like-you-mean-it role as Veronica Lodge on the CW's "Riverdale," recently opened up about the internal struggles she privately endured during the routine costume fittings for the show.

Speaking at POPSUGAR's Play/Ground New York summit, Mendes, 24, detailed the effect the fittings had on her, which was due to having to try on revealing outfits that at times made her feel uncomfortable in her own skin.

"I didn't realize I had an eating disorder until I entered the industry... I couldn't even get through a fitting," the actress said, according to Page Six. The two-hour sessions where she tried on costumes were "overwhelming" to her because she was made to try on clothing that she would not wear in her everyday life, as Veronica is known for her signature tight dresses and short skirts

This is not the first time Mendes has spoken publicly about managing her eating disorder. In December 2018, she divulged to Shape that her recovery was successful due in part to her therapist and nutritionist.

"I've struggled with bulimia. It happened a little bit in high school and again when I was in college. Then it came back when I started working in the industry with fittings all the time and watching myself on camera," she said.

She cited her involvement with a nonprofit organization called Project HEAL, which raises money to assist people recovering from eating disorders, with helping her see that she herself could benefit from treatment. "I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I've been in denial about my issues,'" she recalled. Thankfully, it seems as though the actress is in a much better place now.

Fans can catch the continuation of Veronica's story on the upcoming season of "Riverdale," which premieres Oct. 9 on the CW.