Could my 4 year old have an eating disorder

[jd1977]

My four year old (female) child has been making comments to me lately that she is fat.  Ie: "look mommy, my belly is fat".  When I tell her she is not fat she replies that she is.  I asked her what makes her think that she is fat and she replied to me "from eating Taco Bell".  She and I have talked about healthy eating in the past.  She will ask me why certain people are fat (her teacher, her paw paw, other children) and I have explained to her in simple terms that if we aren't careful about the foods we eat and if we don't exercise then we can get fat.  We talk about moderation.  Unfortunately, we are always on the go and we do eat out every night of the week.  Usually at a restaurant and not at McDonald's, Taco Bell, or other fast food places.  I don't know if I should be concerned about this or not.  She went with me to the gym the other night and when I was done working out she asked me to weight her on the scale in the locker room.  What four year old does this??!!  She also frequently asks me "mommy, is this bad for me to eat?"  I am frightened that this could be the start of an eating disorder.  Also, when she started pre-k this year, her teacher sent home a note to me stating that my little girl was not eating her lunch at all.  I started letting her brown bag it and her teacher says her appetite is better; however, when I ask her what she ate during the day (she has 2 snack times and her lunch) she always says "I don't know".  I don't see that she has lost any weight, but she is overly concerned about the way she looks.  She will not wear pants or shorts...preferring to only wear dresses or skirts.  I am desperate for answers and I am very worried about this.  Please help!!!!

[Renee Radenberg]

What is your daughter weight and height? Thank you.