The singers Anita (46) and were for more than 30 years Alexandra Hofmann (49) the most famous sister duo of the popular hit. As the “Hofmann siblings” they celebrated mega successes. Until the professional separation in 2021.
But the price for fame was high. How Now revealed for the first time, Anita Hofmann had serious health problems for a long time that the public was unaware of: anorexia, bulimia and a particularly severe form of neurodermatitis.
Anita (l.) and Alexandra Hofmann during a TV appearance in 2018
She has now written about her long suffering in her book “Just Be Beautiful” (Molino Verlag, published on February 10th).
Anita Hofmann to BILD: “I suffered from excruciating neurodermatitis that disfigured my body. I should and had to be beautiful and at the same time fight against diseases that disfigured me, made me ugly and weak.”
Anita Hofmann’s hands and forearms were affected by neurodermatitis
Her sister Alexandra, who was three years older, was the dominant part of the duo and made all the important decisions for the beautiful, intact Schlager image. Anita suffered from this.
“I felt alienated by my environment and therefore had deep self-doubt, which had a negative impact on my body and my well-being. I couldn’t assert my creative ideas in our duo because my sister Alexandra didn’t give me much space to do so. I was reduced to my looks and heard the phrase ‘just be beautiful’ so often!”
The siblings Alexandra and Anita Hofmann in the 90s
And further: “For me, lack of freedom and self-doubt became a toxic mixture that ultimately led to an eating disorder. When I looked in the mirror, I didn’t see a skinny 90 pound person, I still saw my imaginary weak points. There was this terrible voice inside me that made me hunger and tormented me if I ate a little more food.”
The eating disorder led to bulimia. “I feigned normal eating behavior in order to vomit over the nearest toilet.”
Anita Hofmann during the time of her anorexia
There was also severe neurodermatitis. “The doctors pumped me full of medication. At the same time, they assured me that I would never get well. One consequence of the side effects: hair loss.”
Anita about the skin disease: “A handshake and touching hurt. I had sores, rashes and pus all over my body. I also suffered from asthma and allergies. Pain plagued me day and night. Suffering means that you no longer participate properly in life.”
There was no improvement for Anita for eight years until laser therapy finally helped her. She found a way out of the spiral of medication and was also able to overcome her anorexia.
Anita Hofmann has been successful as a solo singer for two years. She says with relief: “The last few years have been like a liberation. I got rid of my annoying illnesses and can now take part in everyday life as normal.” The relationship with her sister Alexandra has become even closer since they both went their own musical path.
Anita Hofmann is now mentally and physically at peace with herself