Help!! I think I have an eating disorder

[Chatter Box]

I am so scared and confused. I think I have an eating disorder but no one will believe me. I went to 2 different doctors and seen a specialist. One of them laughed at me and thought I was joking. I am 5 foot 5 inches tall and at this very moment I weigh 127 pounds.

Here's the problem: I eat all the time. I am now even "sneaking" food. I go to dinner or lunch with friends or family and I'll eat sald, soup and a meal. THEN after about 45 minutes at home I find myself eatting AGAIN I don't over stuff myself when I am out but when I get home I Pig out !!

What is wrong with me??

Please help, any advice will be GREATLY appreciated.

 

[Feralpeg]

If you really feel that you have an eating disorder look for a support group on the internet. I'm sure they can give you information on how to proceed.

Let me say that 127 pounds for 5'5" person is certainly not overweight. I'm sorry the doctors didn't take you seriously, but they probably don't see your weight as an issue. Do look for a support group.

 

[goodeats]

How old are you? How active are you? Do you get full fast? Some people just naturally eat smaller meals more often.

It sounds like you aren't eating enough. OR you are eating to satisfy boredom or emotional issues. Try going for a walk or eating carrot sticks instead of binging.

You're not overweight, so it's not a huge problem. But you should get it under control before it becomes a huge issue.

 

[wdw4us]

well, if you feel you have a problem, you may. I think for your height your weight is in order but if you continue to eat like that, it may change.

I suggest you keep a log of what you eat and when and then go back to the Dr or find one that will listen. This may be a problem that they won't treat because you are not OVER weight or UNDER weight.

Good luck.

denise

 

[Chatter Box]

Thank You. I will..

 

[Crankyshank]

If you think you have an eating disorder then you need to seek a support group. Check with mental health professionals in your local area. A lot of places offer OA meetings (overeaters anonymous). They have a lot of people that don't necessarily have a weight problem - but have issues with emotional eating.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Of course thyroid could be an issue. Make sure you get tested for that.

 

[Twinkles6892]

I do that too, but I would love to weigh 127 pounds, but if you think it's a problem, I suggest reading Feeding the Hungry Heart it's a book all about people who binge. I don't know if that's what you're doing, but it couldn't hurt! We're here for you!

 

[KrnB]

If it is enough that it is a concern to you, then I would do something about it even if the doctors won't listen to you yet. You may want to consider a counselor or a support group like others suggested. It sounds like you are pretty worried about it, so don't ignore your instinct and talk to some people who can help you break that habit before it becomes a big problem. Even if they tell you that you don't have an actual disorder, they can help you change the pattern and feel better about yourself for doing it!

Good luck!

 

[cindrelly31]

Of course thyroid could be an issue. Make sure you get tested for that.

I was going to suggest this also. I would even just ask your doctor for a complete blood test to see if there is anything unusual. And like mentioned before, you could just be active enough that you are burning all that you eat. Keeping a diary wil help also - remember to write how you are feeling when you eat the foods that you are eating. Then after about a month, go back to the doctor and share the info. Maybe then they will be able to help you.

Good luck!!

 

[Chatter Box]

I don't pig out on junk food, well unless it's icecream. Even then I don't overly eat it. I do try and snack on things like celery with peanutbutter, apples, and other fruits. I am a semi-vegatarian, I don't eat beef or pork. I eat seafood and chicken.

When I go out to eat with friends, I do eat. Rolls/bread, Salad, Soup, my meal and sometimes even dessert. I feel full when I leave the place but when I get home I get hungry all over again.

I'm 24 years old. I'm a lifeguard year round. Other then work I don't go to a gym or workout or exercise, yuk, I hate to sweat.

The doctors say exactly like you all do. You're not over weight or under weight so there is no real worry.

But then why am I worring

 

[poohandwendy]

Are you eating because of emotional issues (bored, stressed, depressed, lonely, etc) or if it is because you really feel hungry?

 

[Chatter Box]

Are you eating because of emotional issues (bored, stressed, depressed, lonely, etc) or if it is because you really feel hungry?

no, it's because I really feel hungry. this has been going on for about 3 months. I do get my "cycle" regularily and I have had my tyroid checked and was told it's fine. I also had my sugar tested as well and that's fine too. I haven't gained any real weight either no matter how much I eat. I gain a pound and loose 2 then gain another and loose 1. I have been 125 - 127 for the past 3 months on and off again. one doctor said it's because I swim alot but I keep telling him I really don't. I'm a lifeguard and spend most of the time out of the water watching everyone else swim. I do swim everyday but only 2 laps in the pool nothing more.

but thank you everyone for your help. I will keep looking into more doctors, maybe I can find a nutritionist or another type of food specialist.

 

[goodeats]

It sounds like you are just lucky. Not to mention that you are making *good* food choices.

From what you've posted, I wouldn't worry about it. The more you stress about what you eat, the more 'disordered' your eating will become. You are just eating when you are hungry. Which is what we are supposed to do!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

I eat all the time too.I can eat and within an hour I am starving,then in the evening it starts slowing down.I am 5'4 and I weigh between 120 and 125 all the time.I worry that I am going to start gaining weight and wont quit but I have been Ok for the past year.
Are you on any kind of medications.
I know I take Wellbutrin and my Dr told me that I would probably lose about 5lbs but it has been more like 10lbs.I dont know what it does but I know my heart rate is definetly more than it use to be,it was 60-65 before and now it is 90-100 so I guess I am just burning more calories.I dont work out,but I need to.I think you are fine.But if You think you have a problem then you need to see someone.

Misty

 

[Disney845]

Are you taking any vitamins? My SO is very tall and very thin (he weighs less than I do and he is at least 8" taller than me ) but he can seriously eat. It isn't binging, just massive (as I see it) food consumption. He takes many different vitamins and has done lots of research on them (I am a vitamin novice, I can not stand to swallow pills) and some I know he has mentioned reallly really increase his appetite. Just thought possibly you could look into any vitamins or meds you are taking that may have increased your appetite?

 

[LuvTigger]

I know someone very like you, in terms of physical size and well being. I am overweight, and 5 years younger than her, and she literally can eat 2-3 times what I eat in a meal! But she is perfectly healthy.

I am curious why you think you have an eating disorder? I think you mentioned that you have felt this way for the past 3 months -- is it because you just feel that there's a disorder, or because you have noticed physical changes or are you eating noticably more than before?

Have you had blood/urine tests to rule out other things like thyroid? I know for me personally, I have recently been feeling like something was wrong internally, and the doctor ordered those tests for me and I felt such relief when she told me that not only did things look normal, but they actually looked pretty good.

 

[Chatter Box]

Yes, I take one a day vitamin for women. I am not on any other kinds of meds at all. I have been taking the same vitamin for years though.

Yes only in the past 3 months have I noticed that I eat alot more. More meals, more food and more frequently. I try and drink alot of water to fill me up but all I do is pee more.

Yes I have had blood and urin tests done and so far everything has come back negative and all within normal limits.

None of the doctors I have seen, seem to be worried. but, i still can't help but wonder why am I eatting so much all of a sudden.

 

[WatchinCaptKangaroo]

Yes, I take one a day vitamin for women. I am not on any other kinds of meds at all. I have been taking the same vitamin for years though.

Yes only in the past 3 months have I noticed that I eat alot more. More meals, more food and more frequently. I try and drink alot of water to fill me up but all I do is pee more.

Yes I have had blood and urin tests done and so far everything has come back negative and all within normal limits.

None of the doctors I have seen, seem to be worried. but, i still can't help but wonder why am I eatting so much all of a sudden.

Have you been under more stress?

Any chance you're ummmmmm.....

pregnant?

Sorry, it's the only other thing I can think of.

If you think something is wrong it may be. But it may not be, you may just be going through a period of eating a lot all the time. I do know the more you stress about your eating the more it will become prevalent it could become a problem when it wasn't to begin with. You know yourself and your body best and you should do whatever you need to do to make sure you are OK.

 

[LuvTigger]

Any chance you're ummmmmm.....

pregnant?

Haha, that's exactly what I was thinking!!! (Although I'm sure the doc's tests would have ruled that out.)