how does anorexia start?

[clairebearfatty]

hi was just wondering if it just happens straight off or is it gradual. i feel sick when i think about food or see anyone eating it. i am not eating anything all day then at night ill have something small to eat like an apple and thats all im eating. after iv eaten i feel really guilty and greedy. iv just turned 17 last week and im a size 14 ( 12 stone) i have felt really fat since i had my son 9 months ago but havent been bothered enough to diet or anything so its not as though i really want to lose the weight would be great to lose as im really not happy with my body and have really low self-esteem, but not this way. just the thought of food makes me feel sick. i have been under alot of stress at the minute though. just wanted to know if this was something to worry about or will i get over it. many thanks claire

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Claire,

Having recently had a baby, I would be concerned to assess for post-partum depression.  Depression can cause a person to not want to eat.  Stress can also cause a person to not want to eat.  Both depression and stress can be precursors to anorexia.  

You sound like you have a lot of responsibilities and demands.  I would highly recommend you see a therapist for support and try to understand what is underlying your difficulty eating.  I would also advise you to speak to you ob/gyn or a registered dietitian to address your eating.  It is crucial that you eat at least 1500 calories a day for your body to function.  If you are breast feeding, you would need much more.  You need to be healthy for you and your baby.  

Best,

Dr. Patricia Pitts
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, CA

[mdarko]

As long as you keep in mind that the thoughts of food being nasty are, in fact, just in your mind, and you make efforts to stay healthy, it shouldn't escalate. My slide into severe anorexia (and then bulimia) started as an innocent diet, and after a sequence of pretty tough events, I began using it as a form of self-mutilation. Just eat properly sized portions of foods, use one of the online calculators to help you figure out your caloric needs to maintain a healthy weight, and you'll be fine. Most women do feel pretty gross after having kids, but after the initial baby pounds come off, and you're back to yourself, you'll feel great. Plus once your little one starts running and playing, you'll get a ton of extra exercise. Best of luck to you! :)