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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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Diet and Nutrition |
Eating Disorder?08/02/2005 |
Hello, I am 16 y/o. Im not sure if I might have some kind of eating disorder. I usually consume no more than 300 calories per day. I also go on fasts to make me lose more weight. I have recently lost 30lbs but family doesnt seem to notice too much. The longest I`ve been on a fast is 12 days. I broke my fast because mom took us out for lunch and I couldnt skip. I am currently on a fast, today is my 4th day. My mentrual periods are irregular and sometimes skip. Although I consume little to no calories each day, I sometimes feel like I eat too much. Sometimes I`ll have three bowls of cereals in one sitting and then purge it by vomiting because I cant stand having too much food in my stomach and feel sick. I dont think I ever get close to 2000 calories a day or the required calories for my weight. I am 5 feet 4 inches and currently weigh 139lbs. I believe I am fat because I am almost over weight. About four years ago I was obese, weighing 190lbs. I sometimes have big cravings for food and I`ll eat about 5 slices of bread with honey or peanut butter, then I purge. I also sometimes chew and spit food, but not in large quantities. I try to eat `normally` but I cannot stand having more than 500 calories a day. I usually consider intaking more than 500 calories as a binge. I do not wish to stop what I`m doing until I reach my desired weight which is 100-115lbs or less. I would just like to know if I have an eating disorder or if this is just a strange eating habit. I do not think I am anorexic because I *do* eat, but I do not think i am bulimic either because I do not consume very large quantities of food. If im not either of these, is what i`m doing normal or does it have another name? Thankyou in advance. D.M.
Eating disorders are psychological disorders that are defined by specific criteria. Many persons have "subclinical" eating disorders, meaning that they do not have all the criteria to be diagnosed as an eating disorder, but that they have certain eating disordered attitudes and behaviors. Some disordered attitudes and behaviors are: body image disturbance (seeing yourself as overweight when you are not overweight); preoccupation with food, calories, and weight; restricting food intake;and purging your body of calories by vomiting.
From the information that you have given, I think that it would be wise to consult with an eating disorder clinic where teams of health professionals (such as physicians, psychologists, dietitians, and nurses) can appropriately diagnose and treat eating disorders. By eating so few calories, you are at risk of many nutrient deficiencies, which can cause serious medical problems. Also, purging is not a normal behavior and can cause many negative and potentially serious health problems, such as irreversible erosion of tooth enamel, inflammation of the esophagus and salivary glands, tears along the gastrointestinal tract, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances which can lead to life-threatening heart problems. A team of professionals can gather information and then help persons to normalize their eating behaviors and the way they view their own bodies. To locate eating disorder specialists in your area, you can consult with your family physician. You can also visit the following websites listed below for more information.
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Bonnie J. Brehm, PhD, RD Professor College of Nursing University of Cincinnati |
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Lisa Cicciarello Andrews, MEd, RD, LD Adjunct Faculty University of Cincinnati |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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