Bella Hadid left 'out of breath' as Lyme disease flare-up fuels health fears
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bella Hadid has offered a heartbreaking glimpse into her ongoing battle with Lyme disease, revealing that a recent flare-up left her so weak she was "out of breath" just walking to the kitchen.
The 29-year-old supermodel shared an emotional update on Instagram Stories, saying that years of treatment have done little to relieve her latest symptoms. "Haven't been able to shake off this flare up... Took every protocol from any and every doctor I've seen. Still nothing helping. IFYKY," Hadid wrote alongside a tearful selfie.
Bella Hadid says Lyme disease flare-up left her 'out of breath'
Hadid shared a tearful close-up selfie as she shared how the latest flare-up has disrupted her daily life. The supermodel revealed that she has been sleeping for long hours, taking daily naps, and still finding little relief from her symptoms despite following medical advice.
She talked about the anxiety that comes with persistent symptoms, adding, "Diagnosed myself with 12 other things so that's good." The supermodel assured fans she has been staying hydrated but explained just how debilitating the flare-up has become.
"And no I didn't go on a walk because I was out of breath walking to the kitchen," she shared, revealing that even simple daily tasks have become difficult. Reports also noted that the episode left her feeling close to fainting, highlighting the severity of her latest health setback.
She further expressed, "I don't think there's a singular brain cell in there working and my last two are beefing with each other so I'm sorry if I ever told you on a bad day to journal I take it back and I'm sorry."
The model concluded her post by penning that she was able to take a shower "without fainting."
"So again, if you know you know... that felt like a really big accomplishment for me today so maybe someone can send me a cookie or something."
Bella Hadid reflects on Lyme disease's impact on her modeling career
Hadid has never shied away from discussing her battle with Lyme disease, regularly sharing updates on how the chronic illness has affected both her health and career. Diagnosed in 2013, the supermodel stepped away from modeling for five months in 2023 to focus on treatment and recovery.
In late 2025, Hadid posted a series of Instagram photos, including images of herself receiving treatment in a hospital, offering followers another glimpse into her recovery journey. Around the same time, she also revealed that her prolonged health struggle had contributed to "medical anxiety."
Earlier this year, Hadid reflected on how her condition forced her to step back from work, speaking candidly to Vogue Italia about the emotional toll of declining modeling jobs during treatment.
"Now I know that if I'm able to say 'No,' even going through my (Lyme disease) treatment last year and having to say no to every job for almost a year, which I cried about. I was emotional because you feel disposable."
She explained that therapy helped her separate her self-worth from her professional success. "I struggled a lot with this and talked about it a lot in therapy. My successes and the things I do in my work don't equate to who I am as a person, how loved I am, or how good I am."
