May 24, 2008, 6:00 GMT
Alanis Morissette's eating disorders were triggered by a record executive calling her "fat".
Alanis Morissette from Canada performs during 'Eco-Friendly' show at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Illinois, USA, 21 May, 2008. Her new album 'Flavors of Entanglement' will be out in Italy and Germany May 30th, most other countries June 2nd, Japan June 4th, and North America June 10th. EPA/KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI
The 'Ironic' singer was called into the studio by the executive and told she needed to go on a diet, the remark sent the Canadian star into a cycle of anorexia and bulimia.
She said: "He suggested I was getting too fat, saying: 'You need to go on a diet.' My response was, 'But I'm a singer.' He said, 'Yes, well, you need to get small again.' That started a whole cycle. Two days later I was sticking my fingers down my throat."
Alanis also feels there is far too much pressure on women to be thin, and believes that society's obsession with body image is a very dangerous thing.
The rocker - who is preparing to release her new album 'Flavors of Entanglement' - added: "In America it's harsh. In Los Angeles, where I live, it's all about perfectionism. Beauty is now defined by your bones sticking out. For that to be the standard is really perilous for women."
(C) BANG Media International
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