Can you be anorexic and within the healthy weight range?
Asked by anonymous on Mar 27, 2008
in Eating Disorders
I have a history of bulimia but have not made myself throw up for a number of years. I currently feel more obsessed with weight and food than ever. I lost a great deal of weight by controlling my calories. Sometimes I would miss meals and exercise about four times a week. Weight gain makes me feel suicidal and I am thinking about and planning my meals days in advance. But I am of a healthy weight at BMI 20.5.
Answer
Eating disorders range from anorexia nervosa with substantial weight loss to binge-eating disorder with significant obesity. They are characterized by an obsession about weight and unusual eating behaviors. Not everyone displays every diagnostic symptom. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is widely used to screen for eating disorders. Take the test and follow the Eating Disorders Guide at About.com's recommendations regarding evaluation and treatment.
So you can keep track of what you eat - which enables you to analyze your foods and receive the following:
- Health Score of your overall diet
- Warning when you approach your daily calorie limit
- Overview of the good and bad nutrients