Singer Amy Winehouse's eating disorder is becoming more of a worry than her alleged drug problem, the star's friends have claimed.

Winehouse has been taking time out from her career after her recent high-profile spells in hospital and much tabloid coverage of her reported drug problems.

But pals of the Rehab hitmaker are now terrified the 23-year-old will never recover from the bulimia that she has struggled with since her teens.

Hairdresser friend Alex Foden claims the skeletal soul star is still battling the eating disorder - and husband Blake Fielder-Civil is at a loss as to how to help.

He tells British magazine Closer, "They've been rowing a lot over the bulimia - not the drugs. They wanted to leave London for some peace and quiet."

And Foden blames the pressure of fame for Winehouse's crippling illness.

He adds, "When Amy shot to fame she was a size 10 and people called her fat. Celebs say they don't read their own press, but they do. She's managed to put on a little weight recently, but it's an ongoing battle."

-Amy Winehouse Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)