Eating Disorders / Question
Published: May 22, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 105 or so pounds; I am 5'6" tall. I used to have anorexia but now I think about and desire food all the time. At night I eat so much. I eat until I am over-full. On a typical night I may eat a whole package of rice cakes, a container of cottage cheese, a pear, some cereal without milk and nonfat yogurt. I think I am such a glutton. I am not really gaining much, if any weight. But I don't really want to gain, either. Please help me!
Signed: Love To Eat Former Anorexic
Dear Love To Eat Former Anorexic,
TeenHealthFX understands that having an eating disorder is very difficult, and recovery may take many years. There are often relapses in recovery as well, where falling into old eating patterns or developing new unhealthy patterns occurs. It sounds as though you are still struggling with food and your weight. TeenHealthFX strongly encourages you to speak with someone immediately. You did not mention whether or not you received treatment for your eating disorder. If you did receive treatment or are currently involved in treatment, discuss this matter with your therapist or group members. It is an important issue and should be dealt with. If you never received treatment, talk to your parents and let them know that you are having some trouble and would like to get a handle on it before it becomes out of control. This may be difficult, but dealing with your feelings and correcting any unhealthy and/or dangerous behaviors will help you.
If you live in the Northern New Jersey area you can contact Atlantic Health System's Eating Disorder Program at (908) 522.5757 for treatment; check out our links section to find resources outside of this area.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
In the 
