Expert: Ryan Hale - 8/7/2009

Question
Last year I was a happy dancer and runner however my determination to succeed an improve has resulted in an eating disorder ! It started with complusive exercise and calorie obssession to lose weight, which was not a big problem to start with as this is when i was at my fittest and i reached a perfect weight! However i gradually started to cut down portions and over think everymeal. I would feel bad if a ate too much and would need to do extra exercise. During my exams i ate very little due to stress yet was still exercising a lot. I became very depressed and weak. Now I dont like eating and i like feeling hungry. Wen I do eat i get really depressed and i cant stop thinking about it.

I am 17 years old and have a BMI of 15 and feel very ill. My muscles struggle to do besic tasks and i have no concentration. Although i have seen my doctor and told my parents about my problem it doesn't seem to be improving. I truly want to get better so that i can dance and run again (even though it feels impossible right now). But i cant get the thoughts out of my head. Some days I am determined to fight it and eat more, but then i feel full and depressed and the next day i'll eat virtually nothing. I'm not sure if i am anorexic as i have not been diagnosed with it. But it has ruined my life and a dont feel as if i'll be able to get back to normal. Do you think its possible to get my fitness and strength back after damaging my body so much?

Answer
Caila- it is possible to get healthy.  I'm not sure why your doctor is not willing or able to make a diagnosis of anorexia given your BMI.  Some clinical guideline say you have to have had the disorder for a certain length of time, but it sounds to me like you do have a problem.  I wish I knew more about the health care system in the U.K. but if you could see a counselor with experience with eating disorders that would be the best next step.  There are so many aspects involves with this issue that one really needs a psychologist or counselor to sort through it all: issues with parents, issues with boyfriend and girlfriends, depression, or the reinforcement you've been getting from other runners or dancers.  Often there are a lot of family issues that can push someone toward a problem with eating.  Those can all be sorted through with a counselor.  From what you've told me though, I think you could really benefit from talking with a mental health professional.  if your doctor doesn't seem to be of any help, ask him/her to give you the names of someone who can.  Also, school counselors can often point you toward someone who can help with eating disorders.  There is so much going on in your life that I think you could benefit from working with a counselor.  Please let me know what you decide to do or if you need anything further.