Expert: Nafeesah - 9/4/2009

Question
Hi there. I'm 16 years old and recently my parents and lots of my teachers and friends keep asking me if I'm ok and if there is anything I want to talk about with them. I say no because I'm not sure whether I have a problem or not.
Thing is I need to lose weight. I mean I'm not exactly overweight but I'm still fat. Just because I don't eat that much and exercise a lot doesn't mean I've got an eating disorder right? I've just picked up bad habits like exercising more, eating less, not eating in front of people and only eating low calorie foods.
It's just I feel so relived when I step of the scales with them being a few lbs lighter that I'm determined to lose more and I know you need food to live but you obviously don't need as much as everyone is saying.
I guess my question is, Do I have a problem like they are saying? or are they worrying over nothing?
Thank you

Answer
Exercise and change of diet should help you to loose weight and to stay in shape. Eating a balanced diet is helpful because the body needs nutrients to stay healthy. Your friends are concerned, but it's a concerning thing to family and friends. I would sit down with someone to talk about your issues with food because it will give you a chance to work on having a better relationship with food.