Anorexia or just no appetite?

[JennyDots]

I have a history of anorexia, but it's 90% in the past (I think I'll always have tendencies). I also have Hep C. Lately nothing tastes good, I don't want to eat - I've been losing so much weight that I have to belt my skinniest pants. I'm pretty sure this is mostly due to the Hep C, but I can't help "sort of, kind of" enjoying it... it's so mixed up in my mind that I'm not sure if there's some kind of anorexia relapse here, or being triggered by the appetite loss. I am trying to get good nutrition. I just wonder if I'm secretly working against myself? I hope this question makes some sort of sense to you, because it is worrying me...

Thanks for ANY help!

[averagegeek]

My family, from great grandparents on down to my Mom Dad have had a theory: A few extra pounds is a good thing, cause if you wind up sick or in the hospital, you have a little extra "Insurance" around your waist, and a little better chance of making it out alive. I'm on meds that are biting into my appetite, but since i'm almost 100pounds overweight (don't worry, I hide it well. LOL), I say to treatment, "Bring it on!, I'm ready for ya!" And you know what, I also secretly like losing 3 pounds here, 4 pounds there. Just make sure you know when too much loss is too much...I recommend the extra few pounds (not as many as I have), but go ahead and put on a couple pounds girl, I think it'll be better for you in the long run. Maybe you should try slipping one or two "Ensure" drinks into your diet...you will get the calories, vitamins, and nourishment, but our bodies don't know when we have liquid calories, for some reason. Go figure.  :D

~Charlotte  

[allmymarbles]

I should start by saying I don't understand anorexia. I think your desire is to be beautiful, but skinny isn't beautiful, especially for women who were meant by nature to have soft curves. It is these soft curves that are attractive to men, as well they should be. Since I don't understand, I would appreciate your explaining to me the drive that makes women anorexic. Why do you think it is desirable or attractive? I truly want to know because one of my nieces became anorexic. (I am a small-boned woman who eats normally and never diets. I weigh between 115 and 120 pounds.)

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

The fact that it's concerning you sounds like the still small voice within you knows you are slipping into your anorexic behaviors.  Listen to your own internal wisdom and seek the help you would seek if you were in your eating disorder.  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts  The Bella Vita  Los Angeles, CA