Eating Disorder or a healthy lifestyle?

[RobinMask]

Originally Posted by IamKira

I'd personally recommend that these types of threads be closed.
OP is fishing for attention at the least, because you can just google "eating disorder" or "anorexia" or whatever or go to webmd and find a solution. (there's only one solution anyway... eat more food)

I believe people do this kind of thing for attention. Why else would you starve yourself or throw up every meal (yes yes I know the difference btwn anorexia and bulimia) unless you were doing it to get attention.. and if you make the case that it's because the person with the "disorder" has a need to make themselves look better, then that would also fall under the category of attention-monger.

I can understand why you'd see it that way. It is - in some respects - as simple as eating more, and the OP clearly stated she wishes to find a cure so she should just 'eat more', however things are rarely that simple.

I haven't had anorexia myself but from what I hear it's mainly about a distorted body image, phobia of gaining weight and sometimes depression. Some anorexics feel physically sick as soon as they let food in their mouths as they're terrified of gaining weight, no difference really to an arachnaphobic refusing to be in a room with a spider, you wouldn't say 'well just enter the room and you'll no longer be scared', so it's the same with 'just eat and you'll be cured'. If this person is terrified of gaining weight for whatever reason then they need counselling or help, not being told to 'eat' as for reasons beyond their control this is the one thing they can't do (psychologically speaking).

Besides, websites only tell you so much, maybe the OP wanted support from the the forum or advice from supportive people, it's not so much attention-seeking as seeking help.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by IamKira

and MMM, my point is that the op will see the attention she / he is getting from this thread... so many people worried about him / her and willing to offer advise that she/ he is only going to revert further into their eating disorder which renders this help thread inherently useless.

Considering the opposite happened, and she is seeking professional help, that fear has not been realized.

[TheDarkOne]

So, I had my appointment with my doctor today. I explained everything to him. He made the statement that he really didn't suspect an eating disorder because I had always seemed healthy. He took blood to make sure I wasn't lacking in anything and did a few more "tests" you could call them, just to make sure nothing was physically wrong.

You were all right though, he was very concerned about my self-perception and how much worse this could get. He said the chances of this changing on it's own are slim to none. So, he referred me to a psychologist who specializes in Eating Disorders. I have my first appointment with him next Monday. He was booked solid until then apparently. I'm hoping that he can help me end this.
My doctor also said that he will probably refer me to a nutritionist so I can get back on the right track.

I am so grateful to all of your support. I'm not sure if I would have realized that this is a real problem otherwise.
Thank you all again.

[MMM]

Originally Posted by TheDarkOne

So, I had my appointment with my doctor today. I explained everything to him. He made the statement that he really didn't suspect an eating disorder because I had always seemed healthy. He took blood to make sure I wasn't lacking in anything and did a few more "tests" you could call them, just to make sure nothing was physically wrong.

You were all right though, he was very concerned about my self-perception and how much worse this could get. He said the chances of this changing on it's own are slim to none. So, he referred me to a psychologist who specializes in Eating Disorders. I have my first appointment with him next Monday. He was booked solid until then apparently. I'm hoping that he can help me end this.
My doctor also said that he will probably refer me to a nutritionist so I can get back on the right track.

I am so grateful to all of your support. I'm not sure if I would have realized that this is a real problem otherwise.
Thank you all again.

That's great news! I am glad you are on the right track to a healthy body and healthy mind.

[Tenchu]

I told you we should have recommended a psychologist in the first place, MMM...

[ozkai]

Originally Posted by TheDarkOne

Okay, now this is a genuine inquiry and concern. Please don't brush this off as some stupid question from an Otaku girl.

I have been dealing with anorexia for around 6 months now. I really didn't think I actually had the problem, I just thought I was being very healthy. I had begun to find myself addicted to looking at pictures on the internet and wished to look like some of these Japanese teenage models. Particularly the cosplayers. I began at 5' 1.5" weighing 98lbs, I got down to 75lbs. Well, I have recently began putting weight on, I'm not particularly sure why, but I'm now up to 87 and I feel fat again.

Now, enough of me. It has been brought to my attention that those pictures I had been looking at were apparently models and not very many average Japanese teenage girls are actually that thin.

It has also been brought to my attention that many Japanese girls have developed eating disorders such as anorexia. That's is why they are so thin.

But see, I'm not so sure about all of this. Have many Japaneses teenagers developed eating disorders? Or are they naturally that thin? How many of those pictures on the internet are of regular people?

If it is just their lifestyle, about how many calories and what do they consume in a day? I was, and still am, consuming about 700 to 1000 calories a day. Does this even classify as an eating disorder?

WOW! I missed this thread which has proved popular.

I have found over the years that Japanese girls are getting larger, although this also applies to Japanese men.

I believe the overall consensus is being related to Western sizes, in particular, Australian and American who rate as two of the most obese planets on the planet.

When I returned to Sydney after six years in Japan, the first thig that shook me was the SIZE of so many Aussies. Many men had big bulging stomachs, women's legs and arms looked like tree stumps.

In contrast, I found that many Japanese women were not overly "skinny", but rather well proportioned including muscular and were very healthy.

I believe this relates to a very healthy Japanese cuisine which I was also eating. I did also feel very healthy.

Upon retruning to Oz and now getting back into thick oily chocoalte bars, hot chips, cold chips, coffee, mango and other flavoured ice cream, big steaks and fatty sausages drowned in tomamto sauce (ketchup), I have now put on susbstantial extra KG's, and I do not feel healthy.

One thing for sure, Japanese food is so healthy, and it appears to me that Japanese people fully benefit from this with one of the longest life spans on earth. Definitely a country and culture to be envied.. Just my opinion

[ozkai]

This video on Alex's blog pretty much outlines the BIG western size.

Alex's Japan Blog

[cosmicenema]

The World Health Organization (WHO) considers a person 'starving' if they're consuming less than 1200 calories a day. It's virtually impossible to get the nutrition you need with less than that. Please go to a doctor and let us know how it goes.

For a really good documentary on eating disorders I recommend 'Thin'. I worried for a while I had an unhealthy obsession with diet and body image but after seeing what institutionalized people do to themselves it put things in perspective. There's nothing wrong with trying to maintain a healthy weight but you've got to do it in a healthy way.

Best of luck.

[TalnSG]

Originally Posted by TheDarkOne

My doctor also said that he will probably refer me to a nutritionist so I can get back on the right track.

Hopefully the nutritionist can give some good recommendations. For other reasons, I have worked with one briefly every few years. Make them earn their paycheck. Some are great, but sometimes you will get one with a very narrow range of knowledge when it comes to cuisine. Insist that they tailor any food recommendations to at least the flavors you enjoy. It can be done, but sometimes it takes a little extra effort on their part.

No need for thanks; its enough to know you got on the right track.

[manganimefan227]

Originally Posted by ozkai

In contrast, I found that many Japanese women were not overly "skinny", but rather well proportioned including muscular and were very healthy.

I believe this relates to a very healthy Japanese cuisine which I was also eating. I did also feel very healthy.

Just for that, Nyu will most likely move to Japan . . .

Quick question:

If Nyu has aniemia and Nyu feels fat, should Nyu see a doctor too?