Camila Mendes reveals eating disorder and panic attacks during Riverdale filming

Actress Camila Mendes disclosed that she struggled with an eating disorder and panic attacks while shooting the first season of the TV series Riverdale. In an interview on the "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" podcast, she said her perfectionism and the pressure to look a certain way—especially in the character’s tight clothing and high heels—intensified the disorder, which began in high school. Mendes described experiencing panic attacks when she felt bloated or unable to express her emotions, noting she would cry if given time to process her feelings. While acknowledging the difficulties, she also expressed overall fondness for her time on the show and highlighted the importance of seeking help for eating disorders.

She encouraged anyone facing similar issues to contact support services such as the Alliance for Eating Disorders helpline.