Expert: Joanne - 7/3/2006

Question
SO i was wondering are you considered anorexic if you eat or do you have to eat like nothing at all to be called anorexic.

just wondering.


Answer
DSM IV Diagnostic Criteria for Anorexia Nervosa

A. A refusal to maintain body weight at or above a minimally normal weight for age and height (e.g. weight loss leading to a maintenance of body weight less than 85% of that expected, or failure to make expected weight gain during period of growth, leading to body weight less than 85% of that expected).

B. Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though underweight.

C. Disturbance in the way in which one's body weight or shape is experienced, undue influence of body weight or shape on self-evaluation, or denial of the seriousness of the current low body weight.

Many anorexics do continue to eat, they just eat very few calories.  Some may eat nothing at all, but for most it is hard to completely deny yourself food as your body needs it and hunger can become to hard to contend with.

I'm interested in why you ask the question?  Do you think that you may be anorexic?  For some reason, do you want to be anorexic?  These are not illnesses to 'play' with.  They can be deadly.  If you think that you may have an eating disorder, I think that it is important that you contact your Dr and try and get help as early on as possible - it is the only way that you can ensure a good recovery.

Please think about what you are doing to your body!

If you have any other questions please feel free to come back and ask!

All the best
Hugs
Holly