Outlander’s Sam Heughan opens up on body image struggles

Scottish star Sam Heughan has been raising awareness for how body image standards can have an extreme effect on mental health by sharing some of his own struggles with his body near the start of his career. The Outlander star admitted he underwent drastic diets and exercise regimes to stay slim before he was able to adopt a healthier attitude towards his physical appearance.Sam revealed he went on intensive diets to stay slim for the camera in his earlier years as a TV star.The Scottish actor began his rise to stardom by landing the role of Jamie Fraser in Starz’s hit fantasy drama, Outlander, which began in 2014.Since then, he and his screen partner Caitriona Balfe have become one of the small screen’s most iconic and beloved romantic couples.Unfortunately, with Sam’s increased profile came the dilemma of staying in peak physical condition to portray the hunky Highlander.READ MORE: Oti Mabuse takes swipe at Katya Jones after Strictly ‘row’ Outlander’s Sam Heughan opens up on body image struggles: ‘Literally starved myself’ (Image: Starz) Outlander: Sam has been promoting his new memoir, Waypoints (Image: Starz) Outlander: Sam has been playing Jamie Fraser since 2014 (Image: Starz) Outlander: The star underwent extreme diets to maintain his physique (Image: Starz)Thankfully, the series has toned down its gratuitous shirtless scenes, and Sam now has the confidence to maintain his health on his own terms.He told Audible: ‘Looking back on it now, it really wasn’t healthy.’But it’s been a good process for me to then educate myself about a healthy lifestyle.’Sam has now founded a new lifestyle movement to encourage people to stay fit whilst also teaching them a healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body.DON’T MISS:The Blacklist sparks cancellation fears with season 10 shake-up [LATEST]Vikings’ Ragnar star lands lead in HBO Max project [NEWS]The Handmaid’s Tale fans fume as Nick’s ‘dumb mistake’ seals fate [REACTION]’That’s why I created My Peak Challenge,’ he explained. ‘Which is my charity fitness platform.’We give people access to information and it’s not just about fitness, it’s also about mental health as well.’On the charity’s website, its mission statement reads: ‘My Peak Challenge is a global movement dedicated to educating and inspiring its members to live healthier, happier, and more balanced lives while raising funds to change lives.’Our ethos is simple: Help yourself while helping others.’