Expert: Meg - 8/24/2003

Question
i am anorexic. i am 7. but i don't think i am. but my mom thinks i am. the end. please tell me help. or something. thank you. i love meg


love
jenkin

Answer
Hello Jenkin-

Thanks for your note and I hope that I can help at least a little bit.  Its really impossible for me to tell you over the internet if you're suffering from anorexia or not, but I'm going to give you some information from the ANAD (www.anad.org)website and suggest that maybe you and your Mom look at this site and talk about things further.
Another site that has good information is www.something-fishy.com.  

Anorexia is usually marked by a fear of gaining weight and eating and can do a lot of damage to your body.  Especially at 7, as you still have a lot of growing to do and its VERY important that you have the proper nutrition so that you can grow up healthfully.  

If your Mom is worried about this, then I'd really suggest giving her this information and the website addresses so that she can take a look and see if she still thinks that you might have a problem.  I know that it might be a little scary to talk with her about this-but its really important.  

I wish you all the best and hope that this information is helpful.  Please feel free to write again if there is anything else I can do and good luck.

And, please do share this with your Mom so that she can help you out if need be.

You are worth it!

Take care of yourself, okay?

Meg :)

Self-Evaluation Quiz



Are you constantly thinking about your weight and shape?
Are you dieting and lost a lot of weight?
Are you more than 10% below your healthy weight?
Are people concerned about your weight?
Is your energy level down?
Are you cold?
Are your periods normal? ( for females only )
Are you overeating and feeling out of control?
Are you vomiting, using laxatives or water pills, herbal agents, or trying to fast?
Are you experience physical problems or are people concerned because of your  excessive exercise?
Is your weight repeatedly fluctuating?
Does all of the above interfere with you enjoying life, relationships, or everyday functioning.
If you answered yes to any of these questions you may have an eating disorder.

If you answered yes to more than 5, we would encourage you to get a professional evaluation