Candace Cameron Bure Reveals Strict Diet at 12 During Full House Filming

Candace Cameron Bure, known for her iconic role as D.J. Tanner on Full House, recently opened up about the intense pressures she faced as a child star in Hollywood. At just 12 years old, Bure was put on a diet by her parents, a decision driven by fear rather than vanity. They were deeply concerned about the risk of eating disorders, a fear fueled by the well-publicized struggles of other young actors at the time.

Reflecting on her childhood, Bure shared that she was a normal 12-year-old with a bit more body fat than some of her on-screen peers. However, the constant focus on food and health at home—framed as learning to make 'good choices'—shaped her self-image in profound ways. 'I’m on TV, and I don’t want to be too fat compared to other actors,' she recalled thinking, a mindset that lingered through her teenage years.

While her parents aimed to protect her from industry pressures and potential criticism from producers, Bure admitted that their preventative approach had unintended consequences. It instilled a lasting sense of inadequacy about her body, a feeling that began in her early years on the set of the beloved sitcom, which aired from 1987 to 1995.

Bure’s candid revelation sheds light on the darker side of child stardom, where even well-meaning intentions can leave deep emotional imprints. Her story is a reminder of the delicate balance between care and control in an industry often unforgiving to its youngest talents.