I might be anorexic?

Question

Everyone in my family is convinced that I am anorexic. I keep denying it because I thought I was smarter than that. I do aerobic exercises daily and have lost already 20 pounds. I'm 16 years old, 5'5, 117 lbs. Sometimes I think I am anorexic because I barely eat anything. I go to sleep thinking about food, and wake up thinking about food. If I eat anything more than I wanted to, I dwell on it for the whole day and exercise it off later. I believe I eat about 1000 calories a day or sometimes. Is there a way to overcome anorexia? Do I have to get treatment?

Answer 1

To me, that kind of sounds like the beginning stages of anorexia.  But it's good that you are acknowledging this now and you want to overcome it.  Right now it doesn't seem too severe, but it could end up that way.  You don't seem underweight for your age/height, but the fact that you constantly think about food and that you exercise it off if you eat more than you wanted to is what makes me think this could eventually take a turn for the worst.  It's a common misconception that people with anorexia simply starve themselves, but over exercising is also a symptom of anorexia.

I think the best way to overcome this is to think about why you do the things you do in regards to food and exercise.  Does it have to do with how you feel about yourself, how others feel about you, etc.  Try to start eating three balanced, healthy meals a day.  And remember that it's okay to exercise, but not excessively.

Anyway, I would talk to your doctor about it.  They could refer you to someone who can help you get over this if you don't feel you can overcome it yourself.

Answer 2

you aren't. i used to be though so i can see that you should probably talk to someone before you get there. i am 5'4 and weigh 115 and am 14. so you are okay. to be diagnosed with anorexia you have to be 15% lower than you should be when it comes to your weight. just be careful and if you go to sleep thinking about food try eating a small snack before bed.

Answer 3

It sounds like you're in very risky territory.  It's very important that you resolve these issues as soon as possible, otherwise you run the risk that this will follow you for the rest of your life.  You don't want that.  Anorexia nervosa is a dangerous and emotionally isolating condition.  

Do whatever you have to do to stop this thinking pattern.  Spend some time considering *why* you're developing these habits.  Try to find someone supportive to talk to.  There are therapists that specialize in eating disorders...it would be better for you to talk to one now, rather than to wait until you have to be admitted as an in-patient.

Take care of yourself :)

Answer 4

It's good that you're exercising, and I don't think you're exactly anorexic, though you could be headed that direction. Do you think about food, as in you're hungry? Well, you shouldn't eat food before you go to sleep, because then it's hard to burn those calories off, but it'd be better to eat some breakfast when you wake up. Also, only eating 1000 calories probably is less than your body needs. You should at least eat about 1200 calories, maybe more. To overcome anorexia, you need to stress less about dieting and your weight, if you are stressing right now. If you still feel that you need to lose weight, then you should talk to your family about your feelings and then consult a doctor for some proffesional help. Hope this helps you!

Answer 5

Your not anorexic, but just eat a little more calories

Answer 6

No, you're not anorexic.

But you could go to counseling if you wish.

You might have some sort of eating disorder.