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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Possible Anorexia?
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Question
Hi, I am 17 years old and 167cm in height. I usually fluctuate within the high 44's and low 45's with my weight and am worried I may have an eating disorder. I think it has been about 13 weeks since my last period and I eat less than 900 calories every day but most days I eat less than 500 calories. Recently if I run or do something very cardio I get a funny almost humming in my chest. And a friend of mine has recently commented that I look "too thin". Is it possible that I could have an eating disorder? (I don't want to bring it up with my mum if its nothing and waste her time)
Dear India,
)
I'm so glad that you wrote me. Yes, you do have an eating disorder. You're extremely thin for your height. The amount of food that you're consuming daily is not nearly enough. The concentration camp prisoners during WW II in Germany were fed only 800 calories a day.
This is not nothing -- it can be serious. Now is the time to talk with your mom and ask if you can see a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. Not getting your period is also a big deal. One of the consequences of an eating disorder may be the fact that you might not be able to have children. Very sad.
The truth is that you can be thin (not anorexic and bony, but thin) and not have to use an eating disorder to be there.
Please keep in touch and let me know what happens!
Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
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Answers by Expert:
Jeanne Rust, PhD
Expertise
I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.
Experience
I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.
Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA
Masters in Counseling
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute
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