Bailey Williams reveals struggle with disordered eating in the Marines
- Bailey Williams joined the Marine Corps at 18 to escape her strict Mormon upbringing.
- She struggled with disordered eating, exacerbated by a culture that undervalues women's contributions.
- Her journey has led to recovery and a newfound appreciation for her body as a yoga teacher.
Bailey Williams joined the Marine Corps at 18, motivated by her desire to escape a strict Mormon upbringing. Throughout her service, she experienced extreme pressure to conform to military ideals, which contributed to her struggle with disordered eating, a problem more prevalent in the Marine Corps than in other military branches. As she recounted her experiences, Williams learned the damaging implications of a culture that diminishes women's value in the military and perpetuates beliefs that contribute to eating disorders. In the years since leaving the Marines, Williams has found joy and strength in her body through recovery and has embraced her identity as a yoga teacher. She reflects on the transformation of her relationship with her body, recognizing the importance of nurturing it rather than punishing it.