Expert: Joanne - 7/27/2006

Question
in april/may 2005 i lost a bout 10 lbs through eating practically nothing. since then i've become absolutely obsessed with my weight. i'm 5'4", 115 lbs. lately i've been bingeing (tonight was about 5200 cals) and then taking laxatives, diet pills, fasting and working out excessively. i didn't realize that there are types of bulimia that aren't the purging type. is this me? i tried really hard to cut down on bingeing but i've still managed to get over 3000 cals TEN times this month. i really just want to stop bingeing and be normal but i can't seem to stop it. i try journals... no help... i write in my journal while shoving peanut m&ms in my mouth. in the back of my mind, i want to be healthy. but in the FRONT of my mind, i want to be 100 lbs. what can i do?

Answer
After three months of binging and purging of some sort (although you are not purging purging, you are still purging the calories in another way! But you are right, you would be reagrded as the non-purging type) twice or more per week, you may be diagnosed as having bulimia nervosa.

I think that you should go and speak to someone you trust about this.  Then make an appointment with your Dr.  It is important that you talk to a medical professional to get their professional opinion and they will be able to tell you where to go from there.

It is very hard to admit to these behaviours, I know, but it is the only way that you can get the help that you need!  I reckon that you should consider seeing a psychologist/therapist, someone that specialises in eating disorders or body image issues.  A dietician/nutritionist may also be helpful!

If you have any other questions or need someone to talk to, please feel free to come back!

All the best
Holly