I Am Not Convinced I Have An Eating Disorder. I Have Had A Friend Tell Me She Is Worried I Am Heading There. There Are Days I Eat Only 48 Calories For The Entire Day But If I Do My Wii Fit My BMI Still Shows Me As Being Overweight. I Have Recently Lost

I Am Not Convinced I Have An
Ci – 01/01/2012 – 15:02

I am not convinced I have an eating disorder. I have had a friend tell me she is worried I am heading there. There are days I eat only 48 calories for the entire day but if I do my Wii fit my BMI still shows me as being overweight. I have recently lost about 40 pounds but I was 5’6″ 185 lbs. to start with. My youngest son has Type 1 diabetes and my friend thinks that I am punishing myself for my sons disease that I can’t control. I am admittingly OCD and Type 1 diabetes is an extremely hard disease to care for and there in NO controlling it. I do admit I exercise alot…usually run/walk 5 miles everyday if not more. Thoughts ???

Hi Ci: From What You Have
Amy Colwell – 04/01/2012 – 09:33

Hi Ci:

From what you have told me, there are a number of signs that may point to an eating disorder.

I’m hearing you describe eating very few calories and exercising a lot. It is very difficult mentally and physically to function on only 48 calories per day – this isn’t nearly enough! If you add in the walking/running/Wii then you are asking your body to work hard with no fuel to nourish it.

The best way to lose weight and keep it off, is to work at it gradually – eating the right sort of nutritious food and exercising in moderation. Although it’s tempting to want to rush the process, this doesn’t work in the long run, and many people on extreme diets end up gaining back the weight later.

I’m concerned about the amount of stress you are experiencing. You are correct about type 1 diabetes being a challenging illness – but it can be managed. Are you getting any help from doctors or nutritionists regarding your youngest son’s diet?

You are not responsible for your son’s diabetes. It sounds as though you are already coping with a lot, and worrying about his health may indeed be contributing to your OCD. It’s really important to take care of your own health – look after the caregiver!

One of the most difficult things about eating disorders, is that individuals with the illness are often unaware that they are sick. Having a close friend who can let you know that she is worried about your health is an excellent way to recognize eating and exercising behaviors that have the potential to get you into trouble.

I would encourage you to see a doctor or health professional to set your mind at ease regarding an eating disorder, and to get additional support around your son’s type 1 diabetes.

Take care.

Amy