Jade Thirlwall has revealed she has a rare health condition that leaves her unable to burp.
The former Little Mix star explained the condition has “caused issues” throughout her life and has hit out at those “commenting on her weight”.
Jade disclosed she had been diagnosed with Retrograde Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction (also known as R-CPD) in a comment on a TikTok video by content creator Gemma Renwick.
Also known as “no burp syndrome,” the rare condition occurs when the cricopharyngeus muscle at the top of the esophagus fails to relax, making it physically impossible to burp.
“Omg I finally feel so seen and understood,” Jade wrote.
“It’s always been a fun fact that I can’t burp but it’s caused issues my whole life and I’m sick of people commenting on my weight and body onstage when I’m just bloated af.”
In her video, Gemma explains that she’s undergone “throtox” – a Botox treatment that targets the cricopharyngeus muscle to relax the upper esophageal sphincter and lets trapped gas escape.
Jade, who has embarked on a successful solo career, said she would like to get “throtox”, but is worried that the procedure could impact her vocal chords.
“I want to get the throtox but worried it will affect my vocals,” she said.
The 33-year-old shared Gemma’s petition calling on the government to review access to NHS treatment for R-CPD.
“Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix also suffers with R-CPD. Who knew?” Gemma said, posting Jade’s comment to social media.
“Who knew that she can’t burp either? If I can at least help one person change their life by having this treatment, then my work here is done.”
Jade, who released her first solo album That’s Showbiz Baby! last September, previously shared that she couldn’t burp on TikTok in 2023, but never disclosed it was due to the rare medical condition.
“I’ve never burped in my life but I’m still stunning,” she revealed.
