Anorexia/Eating Disorders/chewing and spitting food

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Expert: - 11/22/2006


Question
I know some people like to chew and spit food to avoid calories but does it really work?

Answer
Hi Fifi,

Thanks for your question.  Chewing and Spitting food is a fairly common eating disorder symptom and often falls into the catagory of "Eating Disorder Not Specificed".  However, an anorexic or bulimic can also employ this behavior.

I'm not sure what you mean in terms of it "working" but I would guess that you are asking if the behavior will aid in weight loss.  My answer is that it really depends as when food is in the mouth, some calories are absorbed.  

I would definitely advise against this behavior as it is both incredibly unhealthy as well as a waste of food (which can cause upset) and is often a hard habit to break once you begin.

Here is some additional information and some resources for you:

http://thewilloughatnaples.com/Chewingindex.html

http://www.anred.com/defslesser.html

I hope this helps some and please feel free to write again if anything is unclear or if there is anything else that I can help with.

Take care,
Meg

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Meg

Expertise

I am recovering from about nine years with my eating disorder and while I am not a psychologist, I`ve accumulated a good deal of knowledge about eating disorders as well as my own experience over this time. I`ve mainly struggled with anorexia, but have definitely had times where I have engaged in bulimic behaviors as well. I also struggle with over exercising, but am about to be certified as a personal trainer and have learned moderation as well as how to treat my body well so it can perform at it`s best. I promise to give an honest answer to anything asked, and I want to say that while it is a long, scary road---it is possible to get free of this and it is so important to keep on taking little steps and knowing that you are not alone.

Experience

Sufferer for nine plus years. Also, my Mom has struggled with this issue- as have others in her side of the family.

Education/Credentials
My degree is not in psychology, I have simply lived with and overcome an eating disorder.

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