Expert: Ginger - 7/14/2010

Question
Hi.My name is Mabel.I'm from the Dominican Republic.I feel really confused and stressed about this issue so I fee like I need some guidance.I'm 22 years old.I've become really worried about my weight for some months ago.I'm not sure If I'm sick or just care about my looks.People have told me I look very thin now and that I should eat.I have troubles with eating.It's like I'd eat but then wouldn't stand the pressure and guilt of the calories so I'd throw up.Sometimes I'd also spend hours without eating..I'm so worried about being fat.It's all I can think of since I wake up until I go to bed.What do you think?

Answer
Hi Mabel,
Thank-you for writing. I'm sorry you're feeling so stressed and confused! Throwing up because you feel stressed and guilty about calories you've eaten is a sign of something more than just caring about your looks- it's a sign of bulimia, which is an eating disorder. Throwing up like that can have serious consequences for your health: everything from erosion of your teeth and swelling of your face to a heart attack! I think you really need to speak to a doctor or counsellor as soon as you can. The longer you let this go on, the harder it will be to change it.

At 22 years old, you've got your whole life ahead of you! Your life is worth so much more than spending it worrying and feeling stressed about your weight. It's not easy, but with some help, I'm sure you'll be able to feel better. You made a great first step by asking this question!

Good luck, and e-mail me any time.
Ginger