VIDEO: ‘I’ve Never Eaten In My Life’ 17-Year-Old Emma Opens Up on Living With Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a rare disorder where the stomach muscles are paralyzed, preventing the stomach from digesting food. Emma was born with this condition, meaning that unlike most children who are introduced to milk, baby food, and eventually solids, she has never been able to enjoy or even experience the act of eating. Instead, her survival depends on medical technology two feeding pumps that directly supply nutrition into her body.

In her own words, Emma explained: My stomach is paralyzed, it doesn’t work. Because of that, it can’t digest any food. Which also means I’m not able to eat anything, and that is why I have two feeding pumps. I’ve had them since I was a baby, so I have never eaten in my life. Her story resonates deeply because food is not just about survival; it is an integral part of human identity, socialization, and joy. Yet, Emma has lived her entire life without it.

While most people look forward to their next meal, Emma has never had that privilege. She revealed that at most, she can manage tiny amounts of honey, water, or tea. However, she has never tasted a hamburger, chocolate, or spaghetti. This reality makes her situation emotionally painful, especially when surrounded by a world where food is central to celebrations, gatherings, and daily life.

Emma admitted: That makes it even harder because food is such a big thing in someone’s life. For many, it is almost unimaginable to never experience the pleasure of tasting a favorite dish, yet for Emma, this has been her lifelong reality.

Beyond the physical health challenges, Gastroparesis takes a heavy emotional toll. Emma emphasized that the condition is not widely recognized, which leads to frequent misunderstandings. Many patients are dismissed in hospitals, with symptoms often attributed to anxiety or stress. For someone like Emma, this lack of awareness and empathy can feel isolating and invalidating.

She described her frustration: Gastroparesis is not a well-known disease and that makes it hard for us patients. We’re not very well heard in hospitals. We have real symptoms, but doctors call it anxiety or stress, and that makes us feel pretty stupid. This statement reflects the broader issue faced by many living with invisible illnesses—conditions that are not always obvious to the eye but carry significant burdens.

Emma’s decision to share her story publicly stems from a desire to spread awareness. By speaking out, she is not only giving a voice to herself but also to countless others who may be struggling in silence with Gastroparesis or similar conditions. Her video ended with a simple but powerful plea: I am making this video to share this illness, to spread awareness, to be heard. So please just listen.

Gastroparesis is estimated to affect millions of people worldwide, but it remains poorly understood and underdiagnosed. The condition delays the emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. In severe cases like Emma’s, the stomach is completely paralyzed, forcing reliance on alternative feeding methods.

Treatment options are limited, and while some medications can help stimulate stomach muscles, many patients continue to struggle with symptoms throughout their lives. Feeding tubes and intravenous nutrition are often the only solutions for survival.

Living without the ability to eat goes far beyond medical difficulties. Food is central to culture, family traditions, and friendships. For Emma, the inability to participate in such activities can be deeply isolating. She cannot join her friends at restaurants, enjoy birthday cakes, or share meals during holidays. These missed experiences are part of the emotional burden of her condition.

Additionally, the stigma surrounding invisible illnesses can lead to feelings of alienation. When symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood, patients often feel invalidated and unsupported. Emma’s story highlights the urgent need for greater compassion and education about rare diseases.

Emma’s decision to share her life on TikTok demonstrates the transformative role of social media in amplifying the voices of those living with chronic illnesses. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram allow individuals to bypass traditional media and connect directly with audiences, spreading awareness and fostering empathy. Emma’s courage has inspired thousands of viewers, many of whom expressed admiration for her strength and resilience.

While there is currently no cure for Gastroparesis, research continues in hopes of developing better treatments. Patients like Emma rely heavily on the support of their families, medical teams, and online communities. Public awareness campaigns and advocacy can also play a role in ensuring better funding for research, as well as improving how healthcare providers respond to and treat patients with rare conditions.

For Emma, the journey has been one of survival and resilience. Despite the limitations of her condition, she continues to live courageously and advocate for others like her. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every chronic illness is a human being deserving of empathy, respect, and understanding.

Emma’s story is more than a personal revelation—it is a broader lesson on empathy and awareness. Her experience underscores the importance of listening to patients, validating their symptoms, and acknowledging the emotional as well as physical toll of chronic illnesses. It also highlights the role of community support in helping individuals cope with seemingly impossible challenges

The story of 17-year-old Emma, who has never eaten in her life due to Gastroparesis, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It opens the eyes of the world to a condition that remains largely unknown, while also showing the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Emma’s courage in speaking out ensures that her voice and the voices of others battling Gastroparesis will not be ignored.

Her message is clear: awareness matters, compassion matters, and every story deserves to be heard. Through her journey, Emma reminds us that while food may be a source of joy for many, for some, survival itself is a daily triumph.