Do I have an eating disorder?

Question

I am 14 years old, 114llbs, 5ft 5 and i think that i have an ED. I don't eat much during the day and in the evening i stuff myself so much i have to vomit it up (deliberately). I know this is doing bad stuff but i cannot tell anybody cos my mum would freak. i have a bmi of 19 so i don't think i actually can have an ED because i am technically healthy....any advice?

Answer 1

Hi there,
You do have an eating disorder, just because your bmi is showing you to be at the right weight/size ( i dont know if that is correct), it doesn't mean you are healthy. I have bulimia and like you I usually do the same thing, although my eating disorder has went through many phases and extremes...and because nothing has shown up to prove its done any damage in the last 3 years, i kid myself that i am fine...but we both no it's not the truth. You do have an eating disorder, there is no question, and to have it at such a young age can mean that you will just keep it up...please get help now before it continues and you end up years down the line, afraid to eat, exhausted from being sick, ahsamed of what you've done and also probably in a state of depression, which usually happens with any eating disorder as your self esteem goes down the toilet with the food. My parents know and it makes it very hard...but you need to get help now, while your young...go to your doctor, a teacher you trust, your school counsellor, anyone...I know you probably don't want to be stopped but if this continues its something mentally so hard to get out of, you think you are in control but you aren't and even if you can prevent yourself from being sick...your mind will still torture you into thinking you should be and that your fat etc...trust me i am there already!

From a fellow sufferer who is seeking help..please get it, your young and deserve to be happy, don't do this to yourself...food shouldn't be the enemie...there is probably reasons behind your eating disorder that people with training can help you with...get help!!

best wishes..don't hesitate go for it..people will help you!x

Answer 2

It is a good thing you posted this question because I looked your situation up on the web and you may either be anorexic or bulimic. I feel that you should tell your parents immediately. Many health professionals have said that some super models die from this sickness. If you still do not want to tell your parents, try eating breakfast whether you like it or not. Also, at lunch time, eat your entire plate (Same with dinner.) You may have to force yourself at first, but you will get used to it. After a while, you can eat balanced meals. If you are still throwing up, you MUST inform your parents.

Answer 3

my advice is stop thinking your mum will freak....she wont.i understand that you think she will because when i was 14 i thought the same.please,as a mother myself listen to me now,your mother has only your best interests at heart she is there to help you and protect you even if YOU dont think so.if you cant just go up to her after school and say something,leave her a little note or text her and just tell her your worries,beleive me she will and should be your best friend.what you are doing is not good for you and even if you check your weight and bmi(I DONT HAVE A CLUE WHAT MINE IS)and think its healthy you could be causing yourself some real damage..please confide in your mum..if you really can not,then talk to a teacher or doctor or maybe a friends mum or older than 23 sister.this is obviously bothering you..next step action.good luck.

Answer 4

Yes, at least you realize what you are doing is wrong. Your weight is actually 1 pound below the normal range believe it or not. That's beside the point. Your esophageus (food tube) and your mouth and teeth can suffer HUGE damage from all your stomach contents in the long run. You should try going to ED counseling on your own. There are solutions out there.

Answer 5

Yes, you do. You know you do. Making yourself vomit after you eat is NOT normal.

You should weigh between 125-130 lbs. And having a BMI of 19 does NOT make you healthy. You are just trying to make what you are doing to yourself "OK" when it's not. It's called rationalizing. And you can't rationalize making yourself vomit after you eat. It's not right.

Of course you can talk to your mum. Yes, she will be upset but not MAD. Scared that her daughter is sick. But she will get you the help you need. She loves you no matter what.

Answer 6

You have Bulimia. Most women with bulimia are in the healthy weight range. Its a very ugly disease, you need to try to stop doing that, if you cant stop then you need to get help before you ruin your teeth, among other things. There are healthier ways to maintain your weight that are much more fun, exercise and good food. You will look better and you will feel so much better about yourself. Its no fun keeping that secret, it smells bad, and people will start to notice anyway, you are young and you can stop before it gets out of hand. Good luck.

Answer 7

well, you won't be healthy for too much longer if you keep that up... you're well om your way to a ED. you need to figure out why you don'y eat in the first place and why you stuff yourself later on... thats a start anyway

Answer 8

nicely it is no longer anorexia perhaps somewhat disordered eating. it is no longer healthful. it quite is how I quite have been at present. I lost 30 some kilos when you consider that August. i ought to stand to lose it in spite of the shown fact that even in spite of the shown fact that it is no longer the suited way.

Answer 9

Yes, you do. Any abnormal eating habits constitute an eating disorder. This could get serious, honey - tell Mum and see the doctor.

Answer 10

Yes.
People with bulimia are often of normal weight, so the condition can be difficult for friends or family to recognise.

The physical symptoms of bulimia can include:

* fluctuations in weight,
* sore throat and heartburn caused by repeated vomiting,
* teeth problems, caused by acid from the stomach rotting away the tooth enamel during repeated vomiting,
* puffiness of the face caused by swollen salivary glands,
* spots and poor skin condition,
* scarred knuckles due to attempts to force fingers down the throat to induce vomiting,
* irregular periods,
* fatigue,
* depression, anxiety and mood swings, and
* constipation or other bowel problems due to repeated use of laxatives.

Other signs of bulimia include:

* fear of obesity,
* distorted perception of body weight,
* obsession with eating, secret bingeing, and episodes of irresistible craving for food,
* excessive exercising,
* fasting for periods of time,
* using laxatives, diuretics or enemas to counteract bingeing, and
* a tendency to leave the table immediately after a meal and disappear to the toilet in order to vomit food just eaten.

Bulimia is a serious and complex illness and usually requires specialist medical care.

The severity of bulimia varies from person to person. It is likely that a large numbers of girls with mild symptoms never seek medical help and recover on their own. However, there is a risk that the bulimia will slowly get worse with time. A common time for women to seek help is when they are planning to start a family.



In extreme circumstances, even if you are of normal weight you can severely damage your body by frequent bingeing and purging.

Erosion of tooth enamel is common in those with bulimia, caused by acid from the stomach rotting away the enamel during repeated vomiting. Repeated vomiting can also lead to a swollen, irritated or torn oesophagus. In rare cases, bingeing can cause the stomach to rupture.

Bulimia can cause electrolyte (salts essential to the blood and tissue) imbalance, lead to dangerously low levels of essential minerals, and dehydration. All three can cause heart problems and, occasionally, sudden death due to a heart attack. They may also cause severe problems in other vital internal organs of the body.