Publications
Partners
Cape Town - It feels as if she’s drowning in a sea of concerned people – because everyone’s trying to get Dr Alexa Welman to seek help.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult for the character to hide the fact she’s bulimic. And it’s becoming clear as day: Alexa needs help. Fast.
“It’s an incredible storyline for me to play because so many people suffer from eating disorders,” actress Carina Nel tells YOU about Alexa’s storyline.
The 31-year-old started a healthy lifestyle in July last year but emphasises she’s never considered herself fat.
“I’ve always been healthy and enjoy exercising,” Carina says. “It’s important that we as women aren’t too hard on ourselves. We all have different genes, body types and metabolisms.”
She believes it’s important to be the best version of yourself – and Alexa’s storyline might inspire people to do just that.
To make the story believable, Carina has had to lose some weight. “Though we only started shooting my storyline in 2019, I wanted to make it as believable as possible. There had to be a noticeable change in my appearance.”
To shed the weight she started running and for three months she avoided as much sugar and starch as possible. She also drinks three litres of water a day.
“It’s not easy, it’s hard work. You get discouraged sometimes but that’s okay.”
Though she shed 12kg in three months the healthy way, Carina was able to identify with some of Alexa’s emotions.
“An eating disorder is life-threatening and if we can use the storyline to create awareness, that’s good. We can show people how bad it can get, but also that there’s always hope. Viewers who struggle with an eating disorder can see they’re not alone.”
Her advice to women who “want their clothes to fit more comfortably” is to not give up if they don’t see results immediately.
“Love yourself because you’re going to be the best version of yourself. When you look in the mirror every day, see something in yourself that you think is beautiful,” Carina says.
