Kaia Gerber reveals painful truth about body scrutiny and disordered eating

Kaia Gerber recalls how constant comments about her appearance affected her while growing up in the spotlight

Kaia Gerber has opened up about her experience with disordered eating and the impact that years of public scrutiny have had on her relationship with her body. The actor and model discussed the subject candidly in a new interview with Vogue, while reflecting on her childhood, career and decision to focus increasingly on acting.

Gerber, 24, grew up in the public eye as the daughter of supermodel Cindy Crawford. Her appearance has been closely examined throughout her career, with comparisons between Gerber and her mother becoming a recurring part of public discussion.

Speaking to Vogue, Gerber said she has frequently found herself being compared with Crawford and admitted that she has felt envious of aspects of her mother's figure. She also explained that comments about her own body have followed her for years.

Gerber said she has experienced disordered eating and described the effect that negative remarks can have on someone dealing with such difficulties. She argued that telling a person they look unhealthy is unlikely to help them overcome a mental health struggle.

"Negativity has never saved someone’s life," Gerber said.

Her comments offer a glimpse into the pressure that can accompany growing up as a young celebrity whose appearance is constantly discussed. Gerber began modelling as a teenager and quickly became one of fashion's most recognisable young faces, but she has increasingly pursued acting in recent years.

That shift has also brought its own challenges. Gerber recalled an experience connected to her 2025 stage appearance in Evanston Salt Costs Climbing, saying she was performing a character dealing with suicidal thoughts while audience members approached her with photographs from her teenage modelling career.

She said the contrast was difficult because she wanted audiences to engage with her performance, while some people remained focused on images associated with her earlier modelling work.

Gerber has continued to build her acting career, including her role in The Shards, an adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' 2023 novel. She stars alongside Homer Gere, the son of actor Richard Gere. The project has further positioned Gerber as an actor following her years in fashion.

Her comments also touch on the broader experience of growing up famous. Gerber said she has struggled with the way the public has labelled her relationships and dating history, particularly because she believes such descriptions have sometimes been misogynistic.

She has kept her relationship with actor Lewis Pullman relatively private and described it as the healthiest relationship she has experienced. Gerber said she values being able to remain herself within her personal life rather than feeling pressure to change depending on who she is with.

The Vogue interview therefore presents a broader picture of Gerber's life beyond her modelling background. Her discussion of disordered eating, body image, acting and relationships reflects the challenges of developing a personal identity while being subjected to public scrutiny from a young age.