Expert: Ryan Hale - 11/13/2011

Question
so I am a female competitive rower, I am 17, and row lightweight. I am 5'9'' and about 125 lbs. I am obsessed with being skinney and the idea takes over my mind often. I try to eat less than 1200 cal a day and if I eat more, I hate myself. Also, sometimes I cannot control myself and I just binge, badly. After I had done so well all day, I sometimes just lose it, and can't control myself. I hate myself after this. I feel desperate to weigh under 120 lbs but I have not been able to get to that point yet. What do I do

Answer
Mary- It sounds to me like you have the makings of an eating disorder.  The good news is that you are young and it doesn't sound like it's gone on for too long (the longer you practice disordered eating the more and worse the effects on your body).  Also, as an athlete, your food is your fuel so it can help you to view food differently.  I've definately heard similar things from others in your situation so you are not alone.  You could use some help getting through it though and, as you know, there are a lot of feelings that are at work here.  For this reason, treatment is more successful with a team approach: a doctor for your medical health, a counselor for the disorder, a family therapist to help with your relationships (often involved in this sort of thing), and a nutrition person to help you understand food and how your body uses it.  It may seem overwhelming to think that you need to get a bunch of people involved, but it usually helps in the end.  For now, perhaps you can just mention it to your school counselor or a coach (not necessarily your rowing coach), or your family doctor.  They can help get things started.  It may be the case that a few visits with your school counselor can help a ton!  In most states they can even see you a few times without having to involve your parents.  Let me just say that it will be most helpful to eventually involve your parents though.  Think about talking to your school counselor.