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By Mary Hartley, RD
Director of Nutrition

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.



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