Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- CyberDoc
- Oral health expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
Question
09 Dec 2004
Share
PLEASE help--->anorexia or weight obsession?
hi there
i am kind of confused:i am 1,68m tall and i weigh 46kg,meaning that my bmi is 16,3.i know this is underweight,but how do i know whether this weight can be classified as anorexia or not.
i feel that i cant eat everyday foods,and i only eat specific "safe" foods.i dont purge,i make sure i eat like a tomato or some other fruit every 3 hours(metabolism).my only meal that can be regarded as proper is breakfast.lunch and supper is VERY limited.people are asking me why i lost so much weight and that they are worried,but i think the only reason they say that,is because they not used to me being this weight,i mean come on,if i'd always been this thin they wouldve have said anything!
NEXT PROB.....how do i know whether this is just a phase,or whether this is something i need to speak to a psychologist about....i am sceptical....i dont know what to do.i am scared this gets worse though.
i am kind of confused:i am 1,68m tall and i weigh 46kg,meaning that my bmi is 16,3.i know this is underweight,but how do i know whether this weight can be classified as anorexia or not.
i feel that i cant eat everyday foods,and i only eat specific "safe" foods.i dont purge,i make sure i eat like a tomato or some other fruit every 3 hours(metabolism).my only meal that can be regarded as proper is breakfast.lunch and supper is VERY limited.people are asking me why i lost so much weight and that they are worried,but i think the only reason they say that,is because they not used to me being this weight,i mean come on,if i'd always been this thin they wouldve have said anything!
NEXT PROB.....how do i know whether this is just a phase,or whether this is something i need to speak to a psychologist about....i am sceptical....i dont know what to do.i am scared this gets worse though.
DietDoc
Dear Confused
If you had such a low BMI and told me that you ate all the time, then I would know that you are not anorexic, but you admit that you have reached this dangerously low BMI by eating energy-free foods, skipping meals, etc, etc. Anorexia and bulimia are Eating Disorders, which need to be treated with a team approach. Please consult a clinical psychologist (they are listed in the Yellow Pages under 'Psychologists' or you can ask your gp to refer you), to help you work out what underlying psychological problems are driving you to self-destruct and to learn most positive ways of dealing with these problems. You should also consult a clinical dietitian to assist you to get back to eating normally again. Check the List of Dietitians on this Website or phone 082-593-0276 or send an e-mail to sscharf@nhcltd.com or look in your local telephone directory or Yellow Pages, to find a dietitian in your area. If you are in Gauteng then it may help to contact Tara Hospital as they have an Eating Disorder clinic (phone (011) 783-2010. In Cape Town and environs you can contact the Kenilworth Clinic (021) 797-1400 and in KwaZulu Natal there is Riverview Manor (033) 701-1911.
Go for expert help ASAP.
Best regards
DietDoc
If you had such a low BMI and told me that you ate all the time, then I would know that you are not anorexic, but you admit that you have reached this dangerously low BMI by eating energy-free foods, skipping meals, etc, etc. Anorexia and bulimia are Eating Disorders, which need to be treated with a team approach. Please consult a clinical psychologist (they are listed in the Yellow Pages under 'Psychologists' or you can ask your gp to refer you), to help you work out what underlying psychological problems are driving you to self-destruct and to learn most positive ways of dealing with these problems. You should also consult a clinical dietitian to assist you to get back to eating normally again. Check the List of Dietitians on this Website or phone 082-593-0276 or send an e-mail to sscharf@nhcltd.com or look in your local telephone directory or Yellow Pages, to find a dietitian in your area. If you are in Gauteng then it may help to contact Tara Hospital as they have an Eating Disorder clinic (phone (011) 783-2010. In Cape Town and environs you can contact the Kenilworth Clinic (021) 797-1400 and in KwaZulu Natal there is Riverview Manor (033) 701-1911.
Go for expert help ASAP.
Best regards
DietDoc
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
