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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/is this an eating disorder?

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/26/2009


Question
okay so im your average active cheerleader, the doctor said that im always sick cause im under weight. my mom said that ive been lookin on the slim side and ive been under weight for years. i check my weight atleast 3 times a day. and i make sure that i dont get over a hundred...i dont think i have a problem, do i? oh im 14 5'2 and 95lbs. my mom thinks im anorexic and has forced food many times.

Answer
Dear Sophia,

I know you're not going to want to hear this -- but at least according to your height and weight, you are anorexic!  The good news is that you can be well, be slim, feel good, and not have an eating disorder!

A good idea for you would be to start working with a good therapist who specializes in eating disorders -- also a good dietitian!

Please let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Treatment Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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