Eating Disorders / Question
Published: April 1, 2000
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have not eaten any solid foods for the last three months, and have been living purely off of Slim Fast, Carnation Instant Breakfast, and Pepsi Cola. Might this have adverse effects on my health? I have only lost 45 pounds, but some of my friends say that this is bad. Are they right?
Signed: Kinda Thin! Living Off Slim Fast!
Dear Kinda Thin! Living Off Slim Fast!,
TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you and your weight loss. You need to go to a doctor ASAP to get help. If you have not eaten any solid food in the last three months and have mainly had Slim Fast, Carnation Breakfasts and Pepsi, you are doing damage to your body! Your friends are absolutely right and you need to get help from a doctor and a nutritionist.
This is called a starvation diet and it lacks many of the nutrients you need for your growing body. A doctor will probably have you see a nutritionist to help you monitor and figure out a good, healthy diet for you. In the meantime, stop the starvation and start eating healthy using the food pyramid. Regardless of whether or not you start eating healthy, you must also see a doctor because your weight loss has happened quickly and not under a doctor's supervision.
TeenHealthFX is also concerned about why you are interested in losing so much weight, and in such an extreme manner. Many teenagers are unhappy with how they look and go on these types of unhealthy diets. Some people perceive themselves as heavy when they are just fine. And, others feel that food and their body is the only thing they have control over. These are signs of eating disorders and need to be treated both medically and psychologically. If you feel I may be describing some of what you are going through, seek help from an adult like your mother, school nurse, doctor or guidance counselor. Sometimes an eating disorder can make a person feel depressed and consider suicide. If this is you get help. In New Jersey, please call Atlantic Behavioral Health's 24-Hour Crisis Hotline at (973) 540.0100. Outside of NJ, please call 1(800) SUICIDE. Also, see these web site for more information on eating disorders: Eating Disorders Awareness & Prevention and The American Anorexia Bulimia Association .
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Teens who drink are more likely to be victims of violent crimes and sexual assault, have serious problems in school, be involved in drinking-related traffic crashes, and develop problems with alcohol later in life.
