Expert: Joanne - 7/25/2008

Question
I dont think Im fat because i AM fat i weigh over 300 lbs. but my ques is would you label me bulimic? I purge maybe every other day for about a couple of weeks now (i just started back doing it) I did it off and on a while ago. but i dont think i need help because i dont do it after every meal, say i ate two hot dogs instead of one then i'll throw that up. If i ate 3 meals then i feel throwing up one out of 3 meals would be perfect for me.

Am I bulimic? or am i too fat to be bulimic? or since i do not purge as much as regular girls would you still label me as bulimic?

Thanks for taking the time to answer:)

Answer
Sarah!

I'm so sorry to hear you are having such problems.  Eating disorders can feel very lonely, and are extremely draining both physically and mentally.

There is a criteria that Drs use to diagnose named eating disorders, and in that criteria, bulimia would be diagnosed after binging and purging more than twice a week for about 3 months.  At the moment, it seems that you are on route to that diagnosis, and it is a very dangerous place to be.  Please think about seeking help as soon as possible!

Bulimia does not depend on your weight!  That is not in the criteria!  Anorexia does have such a point in its criteria, and I do not believe that it is fair to wait until someone is so ill to diagnose and treat such a problem.  Eating disorders can occur at any weight, and should be treated regardless.  Health problems can occur from these illnesses whether you are 300lbs or less than 100!

Please try to speak to someone that you can trust soon, and ask for their support and help!  This needs to be treated sooner rather than later!

Joanne