I'm really scared...everyone's telling me I'm probably anorexic. I don't eat in public. I'm rail-thin. I'm 5'3 and I weigh 90 (the normal weight for 5'3 is 120 or so). I looked up pics of anorexic girls, and they look like me. The symptoms of dizzy spells, insomnia, depression, low self-esteem, that's me. The thing is, I don't turn away eating completely. I eat around real meal a day, a big one. Am I anorexic? I'm so scared...
2007-04-25 11:55:15 · 6 answers · asked by cowgirl91 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Many people have some persistant misperceptions about anorexia. One of those misperceptions is that people who are underweight (clearly you fit this category) are anorexic. This is not true in all cases.
A very important diagnostic consideration in assessing a person for an eating disorder invovles his/her attitude towards/fear of eating and/or gaining weight. A hallmark of anorexia nervosa is an intense fear of weight gain and the purposeful avoidance of food. Unless you are restricting your food intake for the purpose of losing weight (it did not appear this way from your description), have intense fears of weight gain, have a body image disturbance, and have missed 3 consecutive periods, you do not have anorexia.
Best of luck to you,
~M~
2007-04-25 12:03:02 · answer #1 · answered by michele 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you are anorexic but you should still probably go to the doctor to rule out any illnesses. As long as a person feels healthy, being being skinny is not a problem. Some people (like you) have naturally fast metabolisms. However, your other symptoms of dizziness, insomnia, depression and low self-esteem are not good. You should definitely go to the doctor to check those out. Also, you should eat more than just one meal a day, even if it is a big meal.
2007-04-25 21:20:35 · answer #2 · answered by Hilary D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just because you are really skinny does not automatically make you anorexic. Don't listen to what :everyone" says. If you think something's wrong, go see your doctor. He will be able to tell you of you are, in fact, anorexic. An anorexic is someone, though, who despite being very underweight still sees herself as fat and overweight and keeps trying to lose weight. You didn't say if you feel this way or not. However, the symptoms you list are enough reasons to be seeing a doctor regardless.
2007-04-25 19:46:21 · answer #3 · answered by First Lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, it's possible. whether you do it on purpose or not, not eating much can cause your body to not accept food as well, causing you to fill up faster when you do eat, or even get sick if you eat more than usual. i'm natually skinny, i'm 5'6 and weigh 102 pounds. i'm guessing you are naturally skinny too, meaning you have a fast metabolism. i feel sick if i go a long time without eating (like in the mornings) and have symptoms similar to yours. it's much better for you to eat several small meals and snacks, than to eat 3 big ones, especially since you probably have a fast metabolism. NEVER skip breakfast, and try to eat healthy and get enough protein and iron
2007-04-25 19:05:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am like that, small and skinny. I was just born that way. Some people think I am anerexic but I'm not, I eat three meals a day-normal sized. Maybe you were just born that way. Don't be scared.
2007-04-25 19:09:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eat like a normal person, three meals a day and snacks in between. They don't have to be big
2007-04-25 19:00:27 · answer #6 · answered by teragsg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋