Embarassing question, but would like opinions - eating disorder?

Question

I really would like to know if I have an eating disorder or not. I'm not anorexic or bulimic or anything and so I automatically think I don't. However, after researching symptoms of it, I think I might have it. Yet, at the same time I'm so sure I don't.

nowadays...

1. I wear baggy clothes all the time coz I want to look smaller
2. I exercise an extra hour or more on top of my sports practice (3 hours) because I want to make sure I burn more fat to help me in the sport
3. I don't like eating in public, but when I do, I eat very little, and then in private I end up eating a whole lot of food
4. I schedule my days around what time I should eat and exercise
5. I turn people down for social outings sometimes coz I know I look horrible
6. I count calories religiously, although I'm trying really hard not to

I think I might be a little occupied with food, but it's not an actual eating disorder right?

all answers appreciated

- I do eat enough btw, but I keep switching how much I eat all the time depending on how big I feel

Answer 1

you may not have an eating disorder but you are body conscious. possibly body dysmorphia. there are other people with this condition.

Answer 2

Most woman have the same problem as you do, so don't worry too much but it will get serious if you stop eating at all or you start to throw up what you eat.

It all depends on balance. If you eat the right amount of calories for your body and exercise to prevent fat buildup then you should'nt worry about looking horrible. Make sure you have the right BMI and try surfing for websites which tell you the proper amount of calories for your body type according to age,height,weight and lifestyle.

Seeing that you already have an exercise routine and active in sports then you can eat anything but in moderation. You may not have an eating disorder now but if you don't realize how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle and just be happy with your body you may end up with just that.

Answer 3

Its not an eating disorder. You are concerned with people seeing you as fat. That is why you eat little in public than in private, you wear baggy clothes etc. The question would be do YOU really see yourself as fat? If yes, then is it realistic? Are you overweight or nearing it? If your not really fat but still see yourself as one, then you have a problem with your body image. On the other hand, if you think you're not fat but you're worried that others think you're fat, then you have low self-esteem.

Bottomline, assess yourself first. Know how you really see yourself and move on from there. Just keep in mind that we need to accept ourselves for who we are. We all are special and unique people.

Answer 4

From my own experience sounds like your obession with appearance and what people think you might have anexoxia. I am not,and don't claim to be an expert, but you do seem to have a problem. Even though you can eat privately. The obession with not eating about people, working out religiously, counting calories and not eating avoid people and not healthy behaviors. Just my humble opinion of course. Good luck

Answer 5

I think it's best to err on the safe side and treat this as seriously as if you do have anorexia. It isn't uncommon for athletes to develop body dysmorphic disorder, excessive exercise was eventually recognized as a component of anorexia, and binge eating is an eating disorder. The bottom line is, does this interfere with your life? You said it did because by turning down outings, you're limiting your enjoyment of friendships. You should also be able to enjoy eating (even if realistically watching your weight) and you don't. The best diets are ones that let you take a day off once a week and not worry about it, because eating is a pleasure and except for specific physical disorders, not to be thought of as an enemy. Even those on dialysis treatments enjoy their "forbidden" foods the evening before dialysis, and it works as long as it's a reasonable amount.

That doesn't mean you're crazy. Underlying all of it is a control issue that has to be dealt with, and it may not be your issue but was made your issue by another, possibly by a parent or a demanding coach. I'll give you two examples.

The first was a salesman that made a visit to my workplace. He had the self-assurance and forceful personality that goes with being a salesman, and he told of discovering that his daughter was anorexic. He suspected something was up so he went in while his daughter was showering and pulled the curtain open. "I was shocked by what I saw. We were going to nip this in the bud!" I was shocked, too. He was actually proud of himself, crowing about what he did in front of people who were virtually strangers. Clearly a control issue but not hers, and was made hers by her father. If you don't feel that you have any control over your life, you can always control what goes into or stays in you. You can regulate what goes in your mouth, and how long it stays by vomiting, laxitives or excess exercise.

The next one was an elderly woman, a very nice lady who lived two doors down from me. She took her granddaughter with her on a trip to Germany. She had to explain to their hosts that the girl had a problem, and please excuse whatever they heard in the bathroom after a meal. She was bulemic. The woman loved her granddaughter and merely appealed for understanding, and she got it. In spades. The purging episodes declined. When it was time to return, the granddaughter wanted to stay behind with their hosts. Her mother would have none of that and demanded that she come home (the girl was a young adult). She submitted to her mother and only lived a year more, if that. Her grandmother, an uneducated but caring woman, described this simply but eloquently. She knew the score and could only watch.

You deserve to be happy and feel proud of yourself, and you haven't described feeling that way. Therapists, counselors and psychologists have their place, but I recommend that you see a psychiatrist first and have him/her oversee your treatment. Fight for this, please. Round up allies if you need them--clergy, teachers, school counselor. And the next time you have a chance to go on a social outing, GO!!! They asked you because they like you and want you to be with them. That's something to feel marvelous about. Fix whatever's getting in the way.

Answer 6

It sounds like you have more self confidence issues that might escalate to eating problems. Find a counselor to help you deal with theses confidence issues. Act now, you will find a healthier you. Food wise, read up on the food guide. It's a nice guide to follow.

Answer 7

You have to calculate your BMI first to see if your weight matches your height.

weight in kg / (height in m x height in m)

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

You can use your own judgment on this one. Also, if your always cold, or have lost your period, then you are probably underweight. Look up physical symptoms of anorexia to see if you have any. If you are, then hopefully you will realize that being thin is not healthy and you are jeopardizing your health such as fertility, bone mass and heart problems.

Answer 8

Eat only when hungry and that too not more three times a day. Take only water, and nothing else. in between.

Chew each morsel 32 times.

Take light exercises and brisk walks regularly preferably twice a day.