Eating Disorders / Question
Published: July 28, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am 5'7 and weigh 150 lbs. I know I am overweight and it has caused many difficulties with my life. I'm constantly on binges for food, and then I won't eat anything for a week, and then on one day I'll eat everything in sight until I feel like I'm going to vomit. I don't really understand why I do this, and I feel sooo guilty afterwards. I feel like just throwing it up, because then I won't gain the weight, but I can never do it. I recently heard of a binge eating disorder, and I didn't even know there was such a thing. Is it a possible for me to have this binge eating disorder?
Signed: Binge Eating Disorder?
Dear Binge Eating Disorder?,
Although TeenHealthFX cannot make a diagnosis of the Internet, what you describe sounds like you have an eating disorder. We are glad that you recognize that your eating habits are not healthy - this is a very good first step. It is positive that you that you are not able to throw up after you binge, because that would be extremely dangerous for your body.
An eating disorder can be a sign that something else is troubling you, whether it is low self-esteem, depression, or some other emotional issue. While you need to gain control of your eating habits, you probably also need to figure out what underlying issue might be causing this cycle of unhealthy eating.
It is important that you get professional help immediately. An eating disorder can cause many health problems, and you cannot treat it without professional help. We suggest you speak to your parents, or someone else trustworthy who is close to you, because you will need support in order to work through this. If you are having trouble starting the conversation, you might try showing them this question. We also recommend that you consider seeing a therapist. If you live in northern New Jersey, you can also get help at the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health System at (908) 522.5757. If you live elsewhere, get in touch with your local adolescent health center for a referral.
You can also look at these links for more information and resources:
We are glad you want to take control of this problem and we wish you luck.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Each year, half of all HIV infections are among people under the age of 25.
