Expert: Nafeesah - 4/6/2009

Question
Hi my names Charlotte, im 17 and i weigh 7stone12 (99pounds)im also around 5.7ft, Im tired of people telling me im to skinny or i don't eat enough, but now im worried i may actually have a problem. I eat usually 1 or 2 small meals a day i can rarely finish a full plate. My parents keep telling me im making myself ill (not actually make myself sick) and when ever i feel sick they'll start lecturing me about my eating. I tend to get dizzy alot but most of the time i just feel sick (not being sick though) this sometimes puts me off my food so il eat even less. Ive been to the doctors and he says im fine and to come back if it continues, but he says that everytime i go back! Im sorry this is so long i just wanted to know if i am underweight or if something is wrong with me and what can i do about it? Do i have a problem? please help.

Answer
You're dizzy because your hormones are off from the lack of nutrients. I would advise you to get a referral to an endocrinologist to get your hormone levels checked. It's not normal for a 17 year old to weigh under 100 pounds and at 5'7. Yes you are underweight and your parents would help you by not griping about your problem and be about supporting your recovery. The last thing you need is the stress added on to what you're dealing with right now. Your main focus is getting back to being healthy.