Gastroparesis is a rare condition that affects only 40 ladies or 10 men out of 100,000 people.
Commonly known as delayed gastric emptying, this rare disorder halts or slows the movement of chewed food between your stomach and small intestines, even though your GIT isn’t blocked.
This condition can affect the stomach muscles and nerves resulting in the muscle contractions being slower and weaker than normal.
Gastroparesis is quite dangerous and celebrities have been raising awareness of this condition by taking part in the Gastroparesis Pie Face challenges for years.
But do you know that it has affected some celebrities? Well, here are some of the most famous celebrities who have battled Gastroparesis:
1. Sandy Honig
Anyone who watched the “Three Busy Debras” knows the drama Honig brings to the show.
She has made a name for herself as a budding comedian over the years, but back in 2022, she went viral for having a Pukey week.
Honig has been battling gastroparesis for years and she had discovered a botox injection that can help her manage the condition.
Unfortunately, her insurance couldn’t cover the medication since it wasn’t FDA-approved. But after being taken to the parking lot, she started vomiting continuously.
2. Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown, a former model, was also diagnosed with gastroparesis and superior mesenteric artery syndrome in 2012.
This was after she experienced nausea and debilitating abdominal pain for a few months.
Since her stomach couldn’t push food to the small intestines, she ended up losing weight and after further tests, she was diagnosed with gastroparesis.
To survive, she used a vascular feeding system and a nasal feeding tube for about 5 years before succumbing to the condition in 2017.
3. Emma Kok
At her young age, Kok has achieved a lot; the 15-year-old singer is a philanthropist and a survivor of gastroparesis.
Kok became a household name after she took part in “The Voice Kids” competition in 2021.
Her unique vocals, especially when singing Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” made her an instant celebrity.
Unfortunately, Kok was diagnosed with this condition when she was 11 years old and has been using feeding pumps to keep her body nourished.
Despite the condition, she has managed to inspire many people using her voice.
4. Raven Walton
Another celebrity who is using her platform to advocate for gastroparesis is Raven Walton.
Walton rose to fame after taking part in Big Brother U.S. where she charmed her fans with her showmance with Clines Matthew.
She was a fan favorite but what most of her fans don’t know is that she has been battling gastroparesis for years.
She was diagnosed with the condition while young and has undergone many surgeries to help her manage the condition.
5. Loretta Harmes
The food influencer who has been entertaining us with some of the most delicious foods available hasn’t eaten for over 8 years.
The young chef never tastes the food that she prepares because she is suffering from gastroparesis.
She was diagnosed with this condition in 2015 and has been feeding using a TPN (total parenteral nutrition) for years.
Can Anyone Get Gastroparesis?
Yes, anyone can get this condition, but people with type 2 and 1 diabetes have a high likelihood of getting it.
And that’s because it can be caused by various eating disorders and stomach surgeries.
Taking narcotics for pain can also trigger this condition in some people.
People who contract viral gastroenteritis can also get gastroparesis.
Also Check: 15 Rappers You Didn’t Know Had Diabetes
