Am I a binge eater?
by Stacy
(NY)
I've had body image issues ever since I can remember.
I'm wondering if I'm a binge eater because I like to eat in private, I feel like I always have to finish what's on my plate, and I was diagnosed with depression. I started taking fluoxetine about 3 months ago, but my eating habits have remained the same.
The only thing is that I'm not overweight, although I have gained some weight. I'm 18 years old, 5'5", and a year ago I weighed 97 lbs; now I weigh 105 lbs and all I see is fat (I have very little muscle, a small body frame).
I know that not everyone who binge eats is overweight, but is it possible to be an underweight binge eater? (I don't purge in any way.)
Thanks,
Stacy
ANSWER
Is is possible to be an underweight binge eater?
Yes, yes, and yes. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Normally if a person that is underweight has a binge eating issue... it is caused by a physical push by your body to pull out of starvation mode. The body literally screams for food; and a lot of it. Your body is trying to preserve your life.
My guess is that you not only have binge eating behaviors; but 'disordered eating'. What I mean by that is going through periods of restricting and binging; then cycling back and forth. If all you did was binge eat; then you would not be underweight but put weight on rather rapidly.
Here a few suggestions:
- Eat regular healthy meals (3 meals and 2 snacks is ideal)
- Put a support system in place to help you get through this.
- It may also be helpful to begin a food log to make sure you stay on track.
I understand being depressed... it sucks and you don't see a way out. It can feel all consuming. But it doesn't have to be permanent.
Don't rely 100% on the medication you've been put on. While it may be helpful... it's not the REAL solution. You can have control of how you feel by changing your perspective on life, thoughts, and emotions.
These page may help you get started:
All my Best,
Stefanie
