Eating Disorders / Question
Published: July 1, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 14-year-old female, 5'6" and 155 lbs. All of my friends tell me I'm skinny, but I look at myself and all I see is fat. I'm going to GNC to get diet pills. I have tried to make myself throw up in the past, but it hasn't worked; I guess I might not be doing it right. I want desperately to lose weight. I go for a day, sometimes two, without eating. It's hard though because sometimes my mom or dad catches me not eating and they don't really think much of it. They just tell me to sit down for dinner and make me try this or that. Some of the guys joke around and call me anorexic and bulimic. Do you think I could be anorexic?
Signed: Possibly Anorexic
Dear Possibly Anorexic,
TeenHealthFX recommends checking out our body mass index calculator found in as a general guideline. However, what TeenHealthFX is most concerned with is your strong desire to lose weight and the methods you are using to do so--specifically vomiting and fasting. Both of these methods are extremely unhealthy and potentially dangerous. TeenHealthFX recommends taking a look at some of our other answers regarding, nutritional guidelines and eating disorders for a better approach to eating and staying healthy.
You have also stated that you see yourself as fat and are desperate to lose weight. This is very serious and TeenHealthFX strongly recommends talking with your parents or another trusted adult about your feelings. If you live in Northern NJ, feel free to contact Atlantic Health System's 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (973) 540.0100 or the Atlantic Health System's Eating Disorder Program at (908) 522.5757 for more information about these issues. If you do not live in the area, contact your local crisis hotline (local hospitals should have this number available).
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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