Disorder? Or just a habit?

[Tazzy]

So I don't think I have an eating disorder, but what is your guys opinions?

This is how it has always been. I have pretty much only eaten dinner, because my mum hands it to me, when I'm home alone I don't make myself anything though because I'm never hungry. But I am fat, very fat. Possibly because of my very slow metabolism etc. I cry about my weight possibly every day, I believe everyone is disgusted by me, and I run everyday. I hate junk food, it makes me feel sick and actually just tastes terrible. I love fresh food. Although I have this thing where I can't eat fruit or veggies, or anything really that's been in the fridge over night. But you can't always buy food every single day. I sometimes eat during the day, but I'm not actually hungry, like when I go have lunch with my friends etc.

Even though I only have dinner (and not much either) I FEEL like I've been eating non stop all day, even during the day. Which makes me depressed of course. Then once every couple of months, I'll eat like.... A whole block of chocolate in the space of 3 hours or something like that. And then won't eat for 2 or so days after. The thing is know this is not healthy yet I can't help it. I try to force myself to eat, but I can't.

Does any one have any advice? Do you think this is a disorder, or just a habit?

[Tigerlily.]

Hi there Tarah, first off, let me start by saying that we can't offer you a diagnosis, we can give our opinions, but only a doctor or therapist can diagnose you with an eating disorder or not. Now in my opinion, I'd say it's disordered eating, meaning I don't see it as an eating disorder in the fact that you aren't not eating in order to lose weight, but then again you do feel bad about your weight, so it really all comes down to how you define an eating disorder. I'd suggest seeing a doctor and asking their diagnosis of it, because you are right, it's really unhealthy to eat so little, even if you feel full. It could be a medical issue worth looking into.

[LoveRainingDown]

Like Cheye said, we can not offer you a diagnosis, although I know you want one. But I can tell you that from what I read, you are not eating very healthy. I would suggest going to a doctor and talking to them about what you are dealing with. Hopefully they can help you in a way that you need. Good Luck

By the way, from your picture, you do not seem "very fat". You look beautiful. I just wanted to be the one to tell you in case you needed someone to.

[Silvia]

I absolutely agree with everything's been said, and also agree with Brie regarding ur photo, you're not fat AT ALL, and even if u were, it is necessary to eat in a healthy way and approach food as something we need to survive, not as an enemy. 5 meals a day is very advisable, even if u don't eat huge amounts of stuff, but just having some dinner can be very dangerous for ur body and consequently to ur mind.

U should talk to ur mum about this and also go and see a doctor so that u can change ur eating habits...

Take care

[Dr.Bobby]

Let me put a different spin on this. Regardless if this is a 'Disorder' or a 'Habit', regardless if we can/should/would/will diagnose you, regardless of what you call this...and I refer to anyone here in a similar situation of not knowing what to call something...if it's a problem for you, if it interferes with your sense of well being and other life responsibilities, if it makes you feel really bad or do really bad things..then it's a problem, and whatever you call it, or diagnose it..it should be addressed. If you can do that by yourself, fine. If not, tell someone and get some outside help. A 'Habit' can be just as destructive as a "Disorder".

A lot of people miss the point: It's not so much if your feelings or behaviors are 'Normal' or if they're 'Diagnosable'...those are just words...it's really how your feelings or behaviors interfere with your life. In your case, there's enough here that suggests that whatever you call this, it's getting in the way and should be sorted out.

Tell someone.

[Coexist.]

I agree with Dr. Bobby. The fact is, you are not happy with your body and your self image. You should talk to somebody about this. Maybe start small, like a friend, letting them know that you are suffering. You can then move on, and maybe your friend can help you tell a parent or school counselor. Whether or not this is a diagnosable eating disorder, with fancy names and criteria, you're unhappy. Make yourself feel better, knock down these walls, and allow yourself to get the help that you need, whatever that may be.