Do I have a purging disorder?
Asked by oliviamc on Jul 12, 2009
in Eating Disorders
I use laxatives every day (and take about double the recommended amount) to try to lose weight, and I exercise excessively (at least 3 hours every day, but often more). When I'm not exercising, I'm constantly thinking about exercise and have the urge to exercise always. I used to vomit, but I dont do that anymore. I know I don't have bulimia, because I don't really 'binge'. I usually eat healthily and watch my calories. Is this an EDNOS-purging disorder? I'm only just in the healthy weight range after losing weight from being overweight. Do I only need to see a doctor if I become underweight?
Answer
Even though you don't binge (now), you seem to meet other diagnostic criteria for bulimia. They are:
- Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior to prevent weight gain, such as: self-induced vomiting; misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other medications; fasting; excessive exercise.
- The binge eating and compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.
- Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight.
It doesn’t matter whether it is EDNOS, a Purging Disorder, Non-Purging Type Bulimia, Exercise Bulimia, or anything else. All eating disorders are potentially life threatening and represent a deep emotional conflict. See your doctor or a mental health therapist as soon as possible to get help.
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
