Expert: Meg - 2/17/2009

Question
Hey, em, I think I might have an eating disorder.. I don't see myself as thin, or underweight, I eat loads, well, 400 - 600 calories a day I guess, and exercise for an hour or so most days but lately I've been feeling really sick and my friends are getting really worried about me.. I'm 5'6" and 119 lbs, I think I'm a healthy weight.. I dunno, it was probably stupid to ask.. Sorry if I'm wasting your time.:)

Answer
Hi Maria,

Thanks for your question and its not wasting my time at all.  I'm glad that you wrote and hope that I can be of help :)

Its difficult for me (or anyone) to diagnose someone with an eating disorder online. That said, it sounds like you have some concerning symptoms (feeling fat when you are actually underweight, eating a very low calorie/starvation diet/and feeling sick a lot).  I think your friends have reason to worry and whether you currently *have* an eating disorder or are on the path to one, its good that you are thinking about this sooner rather than later.  

It can be very difficult to see oneself and one's situation accurately.  Many people with eating disorders don't feel "sick" or "thin" enough to have an actual problem.  This is one of the ways that an eating disorder can trick you.

Here are some self tests that you can take, hopefully they will help you get a better idea as to what is going on:

http://psychologytoday.psychtests.com/tests/eating_disorders_access.html

http://www.journeyofrecovery.org/st-eating-disorders.htm

http://www.mirror-mirror.org/edtest.htm

Additionally, here is a really helpful website with more information on eating disorders that might be of use:

http://www.something-fishy.org/whatarethey/edordiet.php

I hope this helps a bit.  Please feel free to write anytime if there is anything else that I can help with.  I wish you all the best.

Take care,
Meg