Former One Direction star Zayn Malik has spoken once again about how he beat the eating disorder he suffered from during his time with the band, revealing that it was his mother who helped him get better.

The 24 year old singer first revealed details of the disorder, which meant he would sometimes go several days without eating while 1D was on tour, plus a struggle with anxiety, in his autobiography that was released at the end of last year.

“It was a control thing,” he told The Times this week. “Every area of my life was so regimented and controlled, it was the one area where I could say, ‘No, I’m not eating that’. Once I got over the control, the eating just came back into place, super naturally.”

Zayn MalikZayn Malik spoke about how he beat his eating disorder

Zayn quit One Direction in early 2015, citing exhaustion from the band’s hectic and micromanaged schedule that would sometimes see them come off stage from performing live and straight into a studio to record new songs.

“I came back to the UK and spent some time with my mum and got some TLC, and she cooked me food and I got back in touch, mentally, with a lot of the things I’d lost.”

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Malik was then asked whether he felt that sharing that battle with the public had helped him conquer his anxiety.

“Yes. People saw strength in that, and they didn’t seem to expect it from a guy, but they expect it from a female, which to me is crazy. We’re all human. People are often afraid to admit difficulties, but I don’t believe that there should be a struggle with anything that’s the truth.”

After a year out of spotlight, Zayn released his debut solo album Mind of Mine this time last year. Also in the interview, he spoke about how the recording for its follow-up was going. “They always say the second album is difficult, but so far I’m really happy with this one,” he said.

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