Bella Hadid is, without a doubt, one of the most sought-after models in the fashion industry. She has walked the ramp for numerous high-end brands like Versace, Gucci and has been on the cover of magazines like Vogue, but behind the glitz and glamour, she has faced a long, painful journey with Lyme disease. The 28-year-old supermodel, who was diagnosed with the tick-borne illness back in 2012, has never shied away from sharing her battle. Bella has time and again opened up about how the disease has impacted her body, mind, and career.
Despite her health battles, Bella has built an impressive career. She has fronted major campaigns, walked the runways of Paris, Milan, and New York, and most recently launched her fragrance brand Orebella. Yet, every now and then, her career takes a pause as her health demands urgent attention. Her recent Instagram carousel showed a series of photos, her appearance looked gaunt and she appeared to be hospitalised. The pictures have once again reminded fans of the struggles she has faced for over a decade now.
Bella Hadid’s concerning photo dump goes viral
In September 2025, Bella Hadid shared a cryptic photo dump that immediately sparked concern among fans. The images showed the model looking frail and tired, resting in bed with visible medical tubes attached to her. Some pictures even hinted at a hospital setting, though it wasn’t explicitly confirmed by Bella herself. Her caption read, “I’m sorry I always go MIA I love you guys”. It didn’t explain much, and left fans to speculate about her condition.
The caraousel consisted of close-up selfies of her lying in bed, shots of her with IV lines. There were also pictures of small comforts like pizza, flowers, and a sunset framed by her window which painted a picture of someone who is both fighting and finding joy in small moments. Her sister, Gigi Hadid, commented on the post, “I love you! I hope you feel as strong and good as u deserve, soon!!!!!!”. The simple yet heartfelt response fueled speculation that Bella may be facing another flare-up of her Lyme disease symptoms.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic rash in the shape of a bull’s-eye. If untreated, the infection can progress to cause severe joint pain, neurological problems, and heart issues.
Is there a cure for Lyme disease?
Currently, Lyme disease treatment relies on antibiotics, which are most effective if administered early. However, many symptoms remain poorly understood by the medical community. A Lyme disease vaccine had entered late-stage clinical trials in 2022, raising hopes for future prevention. Until then, patients like Bella rely on a combination of traditional medicine and complementary or holistic practices to manage their symptoms. Her mother, Yolanda, has also spoken about pursuing holistic therapies alongside medical treatments for herself and her children.
Bella’s long battle with Lyme disease
Bella Hadid first revealed her diagnosis in 2016, though she had been battling symptoms since 2012. She described the experience as ‘confusing,’ sharing that she felt immense guilt and sadness despite her privileged life. The Hadid family’s battle with Lyme disease is not limited to Bella. Her mother, Yolanda Hadid, and younger brother, Anwar, were also diagnosed in 2013. Yolanda, while on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, spoke candidly about her symptoms and extensive treatments, shedding light on how the illness affects an entire family. In a 2023 Instagram post, Bella shared a similar set of images documenting her treatment journey. Her caption at the time was deeply emotional and read:
“The little me that suffered would be so proud of grown me for not giving up on myself. Living in this state, worsening with time and work while trying to make myself, my family and the people who support me, proud, had taken a toll on me in ways I can’t really explain.”
Fans’ reaction towards Bella’s condition
Bella’s recent post has reignited fan concern worldwide. Many took to the comments to share messages of love, support, and encouragement. The images Bella shared were hauntingly similar to her earlier posts about battling Lyme flare-ups, and made fans fear that she was once again battling the illness. While Bella hasn’t explicitly confirmed a relapse, the similarities between this photo dump and her past updates suggest that she may be facing another difficult phase.
Bella Hadid has been balancing health and a high-profile career
Despite her ongoing battle, Bella continues to work in the fashion and beauty industries. In August 2025, she expanded her fragrance line Orebella with the launch of Eternal Roots. Earlier this year, she fronted a Miss Sixty campaign and closed Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter show in Paris. She also filmed scenes for Ryan Murphy’s upcoming FX series The Beauty.
Bella has often spoken about the mental health challenges that comes with Lyme disease. In her own words, the confusion of being sick while living what many consider a ‘dream life’ had left her overwhelmed. She described feeling as though her blessings and opportunities clashed with the reality of her pain and fatigue.Her emotional honesty has made her an advocate for those battling invisible illnesses. Many fans living with Lyme disease or other chronic conditions have expressed gratitude to Bella for using her platform to normalise their struggles.
Gigi Hadid and her family support towards Bella Hadid
Throughout Bella’s health battles, her sister, Gigi has been a source of unwavering support and love. Gigi has publicly praised Bella’s strength, often reminding fans that her sister’s journey is far from easy. In one 2021 Instagram story, Gigi clarified that Bella had just completed an ‘intense treatment’ and urged fans not to expect her immediate return to the runway. The Hadid siblings share a close bond, and their mother, Yolanda, has also played a critical role, carefully tracking their medical records and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment.
For now Bella, is maintaining a balance between fashion, fragrance, alongside IV treatments, fatigue, and flare-ups. But through it all, she continues to inspire millions.
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