Eating Disorders / Question
Published: March 11, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I used to be very heavy and lost a lot of weight. I went from 170 to 115. I am so used to losing weight that I don't know what to do with myself, I'm finding it hard to maintain. I still want to diet and be strict with myself, but I am so obsessed with food and exercising. I weigh myself everyday and freak out if I gain. I am very paranoid about going back to what I use to be. In the past few weeks I have began binge eating. For two days I'll be really strict and than the next day I am stuffing my face until I am very uncomfortable and lose all control. Than the next day I'll over exercise and eat less. It's like a cycle. I feel I have lost all my will power from my diet. I don't know what to do to control myself and get back on track....I just want to maintain 115 and stop binging!
Signed: Lost A Lot Of Weight - Now Binging
Dear Lost A Lot Of Weight - Now Binging,
While FX cannot make a diagnosis over the Internet, you are describing symptoms of an eating disorder. We are glad that you recognize that your eating habits are not healthy - this is a very good first step. However, it is important that you get help immediately. An eating disorder can cause many health problems, and you cannot treat it without professional help.
In most cases, an eating disorder is a sign that something else is troubling you, whether it is low self-esteem, depression, or some other emotional issue. While you need to gain control of your eating habits, you probably also need to figure out what underlying issue may be contributing to this cycle of unhealthy eating and exercise.
We suggest you speak to your parents or someone else trustworthy who is close to you, because you will need support in order to work through this. If you are having trouble starting the conversation, you might try showing them this question. We also recommend that you see a therapist. If you live in northern
You can also look at these links for more information and resources:
National Eating Disorder Information Center
National Eating Disorders Association
We are glad you want to take control of this problem and we wish you luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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