Expert: Nafeesah - 8/5/2009

Question
Hi Nafeesah
I have lost 31lbs in the past few months by cutting my calories down (0-1200cals), going from 5'4 and 149lbs to 118lbs. I am obsessed with weight, calories, being thin. I look in the mirror and just see fat and I want to lose more weight, I can't stop thinking about my weight, food and I have very low self-esteem. The thing is even though I eat ranging from 0-1200 calories, I feel that is too much to consider having an eating disorder.
My mum has shown concern for my weight and eating habits. I don't purge my food but when i try to eat normally (i.e 1200 calories) I feel fat and disgusting. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

Answer
You need to develop a healthy relationship with food because the fact is that when you start messing with your caloric intake it can cause you to start snacking. Eating zero to 1200 calories is too little the average person eats around 2000 calories because when you get adequate nutrition your body benefits. People with eating disorders eat way lower than 1000 calories and you stated zero-1200 calories when I don't think you really have an eating disorder because usually you eat way less than 1000 calories. I think a boost in self-esteem will help you to see things differently. You should seek professional help for losing weight so it's monitored closely so you're not losing too much at one time and to do it slowly and healthy.