AboutMeg Expertise I am recovinging from about nine years with my eating disorder and while I am not a psychologist, I`ve accumulated a good deal of knowlege 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 strugged with this issue- as have others in her side of the family.
Expert: Meg Date: 4/4/2004 Subject: eating disorder and hair loss
Question hi
im 15 and have had an eating disorder for around 9 months now. i have been eating once, sometimes never in a day, even though i sometimes feel hungry. i have lately been noticing that my hair has been coming out when i brush it, more than usually does. is this because of my eating habits?
thanks
Answer Hi Sarah-
Yes, thinning hair is one of the many physical symptoms of an eating disorder and can be attributed to malnutrition and a lack of protein and vitamins due to food restriction. Its also a big warning sign for you that you are really doing damage to your body. I'm pasting a few links below for some web pages that have more information on the physical consequences such as hair loss so that you can take a look and get some more information if you would like.
I'm not trying to scare you, but eating once a day and the other physical symptons you mentioned are a big warning sign that your eating disorder is getting a bit out of control. I know that its very difficult to do (at least it sure was for me) but I really recommend after you check out some of the above web pages that you talk with someone about this in real life so that you can at least begin fighting it and not permanantly damage your health.
Not to mention, at 15, there are so many more interesting, fun and worthwhile things to be doing than counting calories, being sick and feeling bad about yourself all the time (and honestly, I can pretty well assure you that the further into this you get, the more you'll feel terrible and "not good enough"...no matter how much weight you lose.) Its not worth it.
Good luck, please fight this and talk with someone and let me know if there is anything more I can do.
Be well :)
Meg
