The Student Room Group

Have I got an eating disorder?

I've been dieting since the New Year, managed to stick to a resolution for the first time ever, and I've lost a couple of stone which is obviously all good :biggrin: Thing is, when I stopped dieting a fortnight ago, I've found myself unable to eat more than about 100 calories a day (for the uninitiated, that's like two apples) and usually I'm not hungry at all and eating just makes me feel sick. Recently I went four days without eating anything. Obviously this can't be normal, I just wondered if anyone here has had the same problem and how they dealt with it? (btw, not losing weight even though I'm not eating :confused: )
Reply 1
I think it kinda depends on what were you eating when you were dieting if it was less than now then I think that is where the problem has come from. Otherwise, I have no idea.
Reply 2
Okay that's really not healthy, I wouldn't've though, how abouts rediscovering the wonders of chocolate? Easter's a prime time to do so, and noone can resist chocolate :cool:
Reply 3
If you're ill for example, you might not eat properly for quite a substantial period- i.e. a week or more with very little food. As a result your stomach "shrinks" slightly, and your tolerance for even rather normal amounts of food diminishes.

Here's a quote from an article about eating disorders:
..the stomach shrinks and feels distended after eating only a small amount of food
(www.swedauk.org/disorders/medical.htm). If I were you I'd see a doctor who might be able to refer you to a dietitian who can help you with your diet.

Good luck! :smile:
Reply 4
I think you should see a doctor. There is a link [here] for those who ask "Do I have anorexia or bulimia?"

Is it that you can't physically force yourself to eat? Or that you aren't hungry? Or you just don't want to? Have you thought about why you feel like this?

Eating 100kcal a day isn't good, and it isn't advisable. You should be eating at least 1,200 - and thats if you are wanting to lose weight. The average is around 2,000kcal.

Out of interest, how much were you eating while dieting? And a couple of stone since NY is good, as long as it was lost healthily.

You've probably heard/tried this, but have you thought of things easier on your stomach, things like soup and yoghurt? Or even drinks, like mikshakes, or the "weight-watchers" shakes? There is also a link [here] to some healthy, low cal food ideas.

Do you think of foods in terms of calories, or just foods? Sorry for asking so many questions, I am just trying to understand a little more about you.

Do you feel healthy? Are you comfortable with yourself? Have you lost control of something recently?

This can get really rather bad. There is (another =P) link [here] to some ideas of how out of control this can get.

In terms of an eating disorder, I don't think you would be diagnosed with one. However, this is extremly dangerous, and something that if you can, you should get out of ASAP.

Please try talking to a doctor, get an emergency appointment.
If you need anything, please feel free to PM me.
Take care, Jo x x
Reply 5
People with eating disorders generally deny they have a problem. That you are concerned about your health shows you are sensible. I am not qualified in anyway to comment on your health, but because you have an awreness I'm sure you can get around this problem.
Reply 6
Phantom Phoenix
(btw, not losing weight even though I'm not eating :confused: )
You aren't losing weight because your body believes you are being starved. Because of your incredibly low calorie intake your metabolism has slowed to a crawl and your body will store every tiny little bit of food it can.

The only healthy way to lose weight is to eat a varied diet of at least 1200 calories (the recommended intake for a woman is 1800-2000) every single day and to exercise. Any less than that and your brain is being starved of calories, you will suffer from tiredness, be snappy and you won't retain information as well. Furthermore your body will begin to convert your muscle matter into fat to provide the calories you urgently need. Not eating will make you weaker, more tired and could ultimately lead to severe health difficulties.

I'd say you need to go to your doctor or get a consultation with a dietician asap.