Demi Lovato: I’m still battling my issues

Demi Lovato says dealing with an eating disorder and self-harming issues is a "daily battle".

The singer-and-actress entered a rehab facility in October 2010 to receive help for her problems. The 19-year-old star agreed to discuss her issues in an MTV documentary and admits she is still facing an uphill struggle.

"I cannot tell you that I haven't thrown up since treatment – I cannot tell you that I have not cut myself since treatment," she revealed in the one-hour documentary called Demi Lovato: Stay Strong which aired on Tuesday. "This has been a daily battle."

Demi believes her problems began during her childhood. The star was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder during her rehab stay and confessed she has always worried about her appearance.

"When I was four years old and I remember looking in the mirror and thinking I was fat. I was constantly feeling guilty about my weight. I was overeating to compensate for not feeling worthy enough and then not knowing what to do," she explained.

"Even when I did lose 20lbs. when I turned 12 because I stopped eating, it's never enough.

It was an obsession of the mind."

The documentary followed Demi as she returned to her hometown to celebrate Thanksgiving last year. Although she found it difficult to see so much food prepared for the holiday, she was grateful to be with loved ones after spending 2010 Thanksgiving in rehab.

"Last year I didn't get to spend Thanksgiving with my family," she explained. "This year I am not taking any holiday for granted."

Although Demi was able to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal, she was later gripped by anxieties about how much food she had eaten.

A few days later, Demi admitted she couldn't stop crying before one of her concerts.

She is now learning to accept her imperfections and is determined to inspire anyone who is also battling body issues.

"To me, it isn't about being perfect. I obviously have my flaws. When I first got into this business and thrown into the spotlight, it was difficult because I was a normal 14, 15-year-old girl who had a mouth like a sailor," she added.

"I was so frustrated all the time feeling guilty and shameful. I was partying and definitely not a role model, but after all of this, it's about overcoming issues and being able to rise above things.

"It's about going through hell and coming out as strong as you can."