Expert: Joanne - 1/26/2005

Question
Okay at the moment I weigh 147 I am on a huge diet to get to 110. I am trying to eat under 500 cal a day and exercise. Which I have done for 2 weeks now. On my xanga, (www.xanga.com/Lost_N_Not_So _Perfect) I am in blog rings with girls who are doing the same thing as I am, but they call themselves Ana or mia (anorexic/blumia)and they total their cal which is usually anywhere between 18 to 800. I eat less than 500 cal a day and I exercise. Does that make me anorexic, I mean, still eat.

Answer
Anorexia is diagnosed once you have lost at least 25% of your original body weight, and do everything you can to keep it off - refuse to be a 'normal' weight!

Any diet under 1000cals a day is classed as a starvation diet and is regularly followed by anorexics.

Anorexia, however, is often more to do with the feelings behind starvation.  How do you view yourself?  How do you feel when you haven't eaten, or more importantly, once you've eaten?

It's impossible to say yes you are anorexic, and it is just as hard to say no your not, so my advice is to go see your doctor!  They don't need to tell anyone else such as parents or anything, but are in a better position as they can diagnose and offer you any required support!

Please feel free to e-mail me with any further questions!

Lots of Love
Holly