Expert: Nafeesah - 4/5/2009

Question
I was wondering if starving yourself is considered an eating disorder. I have only gone four days without eating, except some days i will eat a little bowl of special k cereal in the morning. Is this anything to be concerned about? I do have an issue with weight where I think I am fat. I don't believe other people when they tell me I am skinny. And when my mom makes me eat it gets me angry and upset and I become depressed after I eat. I feel guilty like I shouldn't have done it. And sometimes I'll chew my food but spit it out in a napkin when no one is looking so I don't have to digest it. Right now I am 5'4 and I weigh 130 lbs. I just don't like the way my body looks. Please help if you can!

Answer
You're showing signs of an eating disorder and if you're not eating you're slowly causing your metabolism to get thrown off which can cause weight to fluxuate out of control. I would look at what is the correct weight for your height and work towards meeting the weight loss goals by having it monitored by a doctor so you're doing it in a healthy way.