Eating Disorders / Question
Published: February 12, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I don't eat lunch usally, and I don't usually eat much for dinner or breakfast. I am 17.2 bmi, and I don't like being hungry, but since money is an issue, I just don't eat. Plus I don't like being in the cafeteria, I hate being around people, and I usually don't do well unless it is in an online relationship. I am not anarexic, but I know it is my mental state that makes me not want to eat, even when I have money. I just feel like making myself suffer for things in life. I don't look for things to hurt myself externally, and this is about the only thing I do. I adapted to it last year. Sometimes at my last school I would only get lunch, and no breakfast or dinner. Lunch was cheaper there and you actually got a meal for like half the price and for twice the food. Thanks for taking my question :)
Signed: Mental State Makes Me Not Want To Eat
Dear Mental State Makes Me Not Want To Eat,
It sounds like you are dealing with a lot - which can be really hard for a teen (or an adult for that matter). As far as the money issue, it sounds like you are really savvy and know a good bargain when you see one. School lunches are purposefully inexpensive and nutritious, and you should speak with your guidance counselor to see if your school has a reduced-fee program for lunch (and breakfast program) so you can be assured that you will have a nutritious lunch daily.
As far as your BMI is concerned, you did not say what gender you were, but check out this link to another question regarding a healthy BMI Appropriate Height & Weight. You may be below your recommended BMI, but more importantly, if you are not eating regularly, you may not be getting the proper nutrients needed for you to develop properly.
Being uncomfortable in the cafeteria is also a really common feeling. It is hard to break into cliques and find a group of students that you feel comfortable hanging out with especially during the lunch period. TeenHealthFX is concerned that you say that your most successful relationships are online ones. While this is a great way to meet people from around the world, and some of the pressures of talking and socializing are reduced when you are sitting at a computer monitor, it is also important to have in-person relationships. To get some ideas about some qualities to look for in friends (either online or in person) check out the answer to "What is a good friendship? “
TeenHealthFX is further concerned about the fact that you feel that you need to suffer for things. It may really benefit you to speak with a counselor to help you discover why you think you must suffer. If you live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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