Can fasting turn into anorexia?

Question

Can fasting turn into anorexia?

Answer 1

Definitely! Fasting is actually a sign/symptom of Anorexia. Of course, a lot of it depends on *why* someone is fasting, and to what degree. If they are doing it only for a few days for religious reasons, they are less likely to be at risk for the diease than if they are doing it to lose weight, for however long.

There are four basic criteria for the diagnosis of anorexia nervosa that are characteristic - this means you HAVE to have all of these symptoms to be diagnosed, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. They are:

1. The refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height. Body weight less than 85% of the expected weight is considered minimal.
2. An intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though the person is underweight.
3. Self-perception that is grossly distorted and weight loss that is not acknowledged.
4. In women who have already begun their menstrual cycle, at least three consecutive periods are missed (amenorrhea), or menstrual periods occur only after a hormone is administered.

There is more, but if you do not have those four, you are NOT anorexic.

If someone is fasting, however, to lose weight and is doing is unhealthily, even if they do not have the above symptoms, they may have an eating disorder - most likely one called EDNOS - Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. EDNOS can be just as, if not more, dangerous than Anorexia.

If you think you have any eating disorder, go to a doctor - of, if you are talking about someone else, make sure they do. Fasting is NOT healthy and suffering from full-blown Anorexia or EDNOS is even worse! Good luck and I hope I was some help!

Answer 2

Well, why are you fasting, how often and how long does the fast last for? If you are fasting for religious reasons for a day OR if you are fasting to cleanse your system out for a day, then no if you aren't doing it often. But if you are fasting to lose weight there is a very good possibility you will become anorexic.

If you are fasting to lose weight, please don't. It will cause more problems both emotionally and physically for the rest of your life, if it doesn't kill you, then you ever imagined. You won't be able to have kids, when and if you do recover you won't be able to gain weight in parts of your body that need it like your thighs and you will have problems in the future eating.

Do a google for anorexia and read up on it.

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One more thing, I read your other question. PLEASE stop thinking that you are fat and stop counting your calories!!! The media has put such an unattainable ideal on us, both men and woman, unless we are anorexic/bulemic, drug addicts who work out everyday, all day. You are so beautiful just the way you are!!!! And don't let anyone, including yourself, tell you that you aren't. I NEVER recommend talking to a doctor about certian emotional things but I think you need to 1. Tell a close friend or parent and 2. Get to a coucelor ASAP. BUT don't let them put you on meds, it will be going from one vice (starving yourself because you feel its a way to have some control in your life) to another (pills as another form of having control in your life). The answer will not be in the calorie counting or a little blue or red pill. The answer is in you and a good councelor will help you find that answer.

Answer 3

No. Fasting doesn't make you scare of eating. Most of the people do fasting because of their religions, not to lose weight. And they eat everyday, they only reduce the time of eating and it automatically reduces the portions too.
People got anorexia when they starve themselves in order to get skinny. People suffering from anorexia are very skinny but are convinced that they are overweight. Anorexics have an intense fear of becoming fat. Their dieting habits develop from this fear.
When you do fasting because of your religion, and you know your aim of your fasting, and it's not to get skinny, then there's no chance that you'll get anorexia! ;-)

Answer 4

Well, usually fasting is for a specific reason and a specific amount of time, so, if you stop when you are supposed to, it shouldn't cause anorexia. Usually a person who starves themselves for appearance/mental reasons has anorexia. Love yourself!

Answer 5

It depends why you are fasting. And if you are doing it to lose weight, it won't work. When the body is starved, and then you eat, the body doesn't know when it is going to get food again, so inturn, turns it into fat, which makes you gain weight from fasting. Not a good choice. A healthy diet and exercise is the only way to go.

Answer 6

It depends on how long you are fasting and why. If you are fasting because you think you are fat, than you might develop anorexia. If you are fasting for any other reason, than you are probably fine.