Expert: Joanne - 2/27/2008

Question
Hi
I turn 18 later this year, and i'm beginning to worry about how i eat. I can go for days without feeling hungry at all, and most of the time the sight of food makes me feel sick too. I thought perhaps it was stress at first, since i'm in college and i have a lot of coursework and exams to worry about, but even when im off college i do the same thing.
I'm 5'6, i weigh about 9 stone and i hate my body, my tummy seems to stick out, my thighs are huge and the muscles in the tops of my arms sag, it's horrible. My parents keep telling me i'm a nice weight but i cant see it at all, i cant bring myself to wear fitted shirts or any tight clothing because of it.

I dont know what to do, do i even have an eating disorder? Or am i just being stupid? Please help me

Thank you

Answer
Katie

It is impossible for me to say whether or not you have an eating disorder, but it does sound as though you have some issues with your body image.

If you feel that these issues are affecting your daily life, it may be worth seeking some professional help in the form of therapy.  You may find that your college has a counsellor that may be able to help with this.

If you feel that you want to try to help yourself without counselling, maybe you should try a gym.  Rather than losing weight (as you are at a healthy weight!)I would focus more on toning.  What you are describing to me as parts of your body that you don't like sound like problems that could be fixed with defining muscle rather than weightloss.  Try using resistance machines and weights at the gym, or do something like swimming or horse-riding, these can tone as well!


If you think that you have an eating disorder, don't hesitate to seek help as soon as possible!

Joanne