John Prescott, the former deputy prime minister, was widely recognized as a formidable figure in the political arena. Known for his old-school Labour roots, he had the reputation of a political bruiser—a man who could down a pint in mere seconds and wasn’t shy about expressing his emotions. His public persona was underscored by a memorable incident in 2001 when he famously retaliated against a farmer who pelted him with an egg.

However, behind this robust exterior, Prescott faced a personal battle often mischaracterized as a “women’s disease”—the eating disorder bulimia. This condition involves consuming large quantities of food in a single sitting only to subsequently engage in compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or rigorous exercise, collectively known as purging.

Bulimia nervosa is believed to stem from a combination of factors, including genetics. In Prescott’s case, stress played a significant role in triggering the disorder. Though often associated with weight loss diets, its roots can be complex and varied.

Prescott, who represented Kingston upon Hull East, passed away at the age of 86 after a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. In 2008, he took a bold step by publicly acknowledging his battle with bulimia, earning widespread praise for shedding light on eating disorders among men and breaking the stigma surrounding this issue.

The former MP for Kingston upon Hull East, who has died age 86 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s — went public with his condition in 2008, and was praised for raising awareness for eating disorders in men.

• Read the full story by John Ely here