Would this be considered an eating disorder?
I've been trying to skip every meal I can (my parents make me eat dinner, but if they're not home I try not eat) for the past two months because I hate my body and I want to lose weight. I've loss [edited by Anomalia for weight specifics] pounds and I was exercising some until I got an injury (I still exercise though, just not as much) and I've been counting calories and weighing myself more than daily. At what point would this be considered an eating disorder? I'm a healthy weight still.
I'm no expert but I would say that it's the state of mind you have, the desire to do whatever it takes to reach "perfection", even if you're putting your health in danger. Sometimes the focus can be on specific numbers, or sometimes it can be up to whatever a person feels when they look in the mirror. I think it also has to do with trying to feel in control for some people?
@dancingwhirligigs
Since I am not a doctor and cannot test you for nutrition I cannot tell you if this is or is not an eating disorder. But what I can say is that sometimes an eating disorder is not anorexia or bulimia or any of the ones that the media has told us about. You can have an eating disorder that doesn't fall under any of these categories or feels like it might be a mix of several. Eating disorders are constantly categorized by a lack of self-esteem, a hate for your body, etc. If you are worried that you have an eating disorder, I advise you to act on it fast because eating disorders are a tough thing to battle and the sooner you combat this, the sooner you can get better. An eating disorder is an attack on the mind. It is normally not alone. A lot of times a person who has an eating disorder, either has depression, anxiety, or both.
If you are a teenager and are scared of reaching out to a professional because you don't want your parents to know, at least consider telling a school counselor or a teacher.
I also suggest a journal where you work on reconstructing your thoughts.
@dancingwhirligigs - It sounds like you've been struggling with disordered eating and overexercising. You've also lost some weight since these eating habits started. You've also been counting calories and obsessively weighing yourself.
These are considered warning signs for an eating disorder; I'd like you to know that you can have one at any weight. No one can give you a clear answer on whether or not you have one, and I strongly recommend you see a professional about your concerns as soon as possible. The longer disordered eating remains a secret, the longer it is allowed to hurt you and your body. Please take care of yourself, and seek help. You know that these habits are concerning, and I'm proud of you for reaching out for support and answers.