Am I anorexic or just eating disordered?

Question

Im 19 yrs old and weigh 115lbs. Until this year, I normally weighed under 100 lbs, the highest being 98lbs and the lowest being 90 lbs. Im 5'2. I think that Im chunky but everyone says that I just look normal and that I was a little too thin before. I never thought I had an eating disorder when I was thinner but thinking back I really only ate one meal a day because I was afraid of what people would think watching me eat (I was in school at the time) I thought they would think I was fat or that I ate like an animal or something. Now that Im in college I normally just eat with family or friends, but I still think Im fat because I used to wear size 0 jeans and now Im lucky to squeeze into a 4. So whats the deal, am I anorexic or is it just something else? Thanks

Answer 1

Your diagnosis would technically be "Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" at this point.

A dx of anorexia technically requires a BMI of 17.5 or below (yours is 21), distorted body image (you've got that in spades, unfortunately), and absence of menses.

You would be wise to go ahead and get yourself into counseling. Whether or not your specific symptom cluster places you diagnostically in the anorexia nervosa category matters little.

What DOES matter is that you have an eating disorder, and that eating disorders rarely (almost never) improve on their own.

Since you're in college, there is a good chance that you could avail yourself of free counseling resources on campus. It is one of the few times in life that psychotherapy (perhaps even someone who specializes in EDs, as EDs are frighteningly common in college campus settings) may be available to you for free or VERY low cost.

I really encourage you to pursue counseling. Nip this in the bud NOW, before it has a chance to really take hold and destroy your whole life.

Hang in there,
~M~

Answer 2

You don't sound anorexic to me at all. But it is really unhealthy mentally to dwell on 'disorders' that you might have all the time. It paves the way to an unhealthy life. You don't have to eat three meals a day. I certainly don't. I usually have two meals a day and I am far from even my ideal weight, never mind am not anorexic. Some people have more appetite than others. As long as you aren't making yourself barf, eating just one lettuce leaf or something, then don't worry about it. If you eat one meal, make sure it is packed full of really nutritious things like green veggies and lean protein. You are not a size zero any more because you are in a woman's body and not the body of a child. Celebrate it. as long as you don't drop below 100 lbs you are just fine.

Answer 3

First off, anorexia is an eating disorder itself. There are different kinds. It sounds like you're just overly worried about how others see your body. If you truly want to stay skinny, don't cut out meals. Just eat healthy and exercise. It's as simple as that. But maybe you should seek help from a professional if you're really concerned. You might find that you're below average in weight, or just normal.

Answer 4

You have what we in my family call an "unhealthy relationship with food." Your body is going to change and grow as you get older. Size 4 is great. The problem with eating one meal a day is that as you get older, your metabolism slows down. By eating less food,less often, you are actually going to GAIN weight. Talk to a nutritionist. I think you've got a good head on your shoulders. You can figure this out on your own. Just get some healthy eating tips online.

Answer 5

Well, you may not be anorexic now, but you seem to have the potential. Part of your problem is body image. I would consult with a physician and get independent guidelines concerning what is a good weight for you, then stick to those guidelines. Try to eat small meals throughout the day and establish good eating habits.

Answer 6

As a improving anorexic, even i will't supply you with a different answer. that's one in each of those private situation and each guy or woman laid low with anorexia has their very own individual issues.on a similar time as i replaced into in an ingesting illness unit I met people who must be actually high-quality with ingesting chocolate on a similar time as they could no longer even touch crisps, others who might purely consume vegetables, some who might purely consume beverages (e.g soups or smoothies), or perhaps one guy or woman who purely ever ate chicken nuggets and not something. besides the reality that, as a generalisation, especially all of us I met used to stay off the two black espresso or nutrients recurring beverages (e.g nutrients recurring coke etc.), low calorie meals that have been additionally filling alongside with apples, celery, salads. it is no longer purely a question approximately what you consume, yet in addition while and the place. i think of maximum anorexics tend to have a situation with carbs from what I picked up on. Any starchy meals alongside with pasta, bread etc. Sandwiches have been the single situation that all of us I met had encountered... they have been prevented in any respect fees. i wish i've got helped slightly, additionally nicely accomplished for identifying on anorexia, that's a very severe situation that i think of a brilliant form of people are mis-recommended approximately.

Answer 7

Trust me,yur fine.A normal teenager.Alot of girls wuld kill 2 b in a 4.&,it don't really sound that it'd hurt u any 2 gain a few more pounds.Nobody wants 2 cuddle up w/a skeleton or scare crow.So,yur young.Quit whining about the petty minor stuff.&,focus on the important things in life.When yur dead,nobody's goin 2 care about what u weighed.Just what u've accomplished in yur life...

Answer 8

You definately have issues with food that need to be acknowledged and taken a look at. I dont know if you have insurance but you should really see a psychologist and a dietrician because you have a fear of getting fat and are depriving yourself of the right amount of food you shold eat simply because you have this fear about food.

Answer 9

If your 19, your healthy weight would be 130 or 136 at least!! Im 16 and i wear a 7. Thats not too small but its good for girls my age. you should at least be in a 7 or 9. YOUR NOT HEALTHLY AT 98 POUNDS!

Answer 10

It sounds like you are on the start to an eating disorder, before things get out of hand , you need to speak to a counsler, doctor, or nutritionist. Eating disorders can ruin you're life, not to mention cause an early death. Please go speak to someone. hope this helps