Why do people think automatically that if someone is underweight they must have an eating disorder?

Question

Some people just have a high metabolism. Or it may be some other reason as to why they weigh as much (or as little) as they do. I mean like me it's extremely hard to gain much weight, and keep it permanently. But why is it that whenever someone sees a person that appears to be underweight, "OMG - they must be anorexic!" pops into their mind? Of course, I'm not saying everyone does, but most people do.

I know, I know, there's statistics. But still. Not EVERYONE is anorexic. :/

Answer 1

First off, I am sorry that people think that about those that are slender. It is hard for me to imagine being underweight. I am sure it is that way for most people.

There have been so many instances of women that have pushed themselves to be too thin, doing unhealthy things and ultimately dying because of that. It may be a pain to hear it, but they are really concerned that you and others do not fall victim to the same fate. If anyone confronts you smile and say that you are healthy and thank you for the concern.

Answer 2

I have had anorexia and bulimia before. Not that long ago. Just this year. I am getting better. But, I know you are right. There are a lot of skinny girls. I see these skinny girls eat a normal ammount of calories and many of them want to gain weight but they can't. That is probably the same with celebrities. Not all skinny celebs are anorexic. I personally believe Nicole Richie didn't have an eating disorder.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, it's become such a common occurence that people start assuming it applies in all situations. Plus, a lot of anorexic people won't recognize or admit they're anorexic, so friends and family tend to be on the lookout for potential signs.

I changed my eating habits a year or two ago to almost completely exclude fast food, and as a result I've lost a lot of weight since then. My friends accuse me of being anorexic. XD

I'm a regular blood donor, and I use that to prove them wrong: you can't donate blood if your iron is low, and if you're not eating much, your iron level will generally drop.

Answer 4

I know exactly what u mean I am way under the normal weight for my age and every one always says I am anorexic, and it hurts becasue its not my fault. I am not sure y people do that but they seem to see people that are underweight or that are skinny to say that the only way for them to be like that is if the have an eating disorder.

Answer 5

Hey I am a skinny *** too.
I have had several bulemia interventions, hahaha, because I typically go to the bathroom after eating (#2, not #5)

I actually struggle to maintain my weight!
I eat and eat and eat and still NOTHING. I hope my metabolism slows down when I'm older.

ON THE SAME NOTE,
People think you have to be skinny to have an eating disorder.
Many overweight women purge all the time and having eating disorders, people just expect skeletal anorexics.

I had a rather large friend who purged for a year to no avail.

Love your body!

Answer 6

It might be that the majority of Americans (65%) being overweight, they are inclined to see their own obesity as "normal" while seeing someone who is fit or athletic as "skinny" and a person who is thin as someone with a problem. People often use themselves as the standard on which all others should be judged so if you're being accused of being anorexic then ask yourself who your accusers are. If you want to get scientific about it and proove that you consume the alotted calories per day you can go online and calculate your daily caloric intake.

Answer 7

People in America think they have this thing called "the perfect body." Models are the only thing that are perfect and their body image is known through out the world. So, naturally, people think that they should look like that...
But that's no excuse for automatically thinking that a person has bulimia or anorexia. They just might have been born like that or have a high metabolisom.

Answer 8

I dont know particularly what's on the mind of other people but for me, whenever l see someone who is underweight, I want to treat him/her for a lunch or dinner. I just want see how they eat. I love seeing people eating.

Answer 9

I usually don't think that person is anorexic, my bff is a stick, but she eats like a pig, I'm so jealous because I actually have to exercise, so I can still fit into my jeans!

Answer 10

a doctor will handle it with the aid of the honour gadget. The surgeon will make the affected person checklist there weight counting on the time the surgeon requests. The affected person will do this and then checklist their archives and provide it to the surgeon. docs base it off this because of the fact the affected person is purely cheating themselves with the aid of recording a pretend weight.