For several years I've been struggling with my weight/size. I have had times when I don't eat a lot (for an extended time) for the purpose of losing weight, but I don't think I would call myself anorexic because there are also times when I eat like there is no tomorrow, or I eat healthy amounts.

What I am wondering is: Where is the line? So many people these days are dieting and say how they have to lose weight and that is fine to society. But then others who diet to lose weight are classified as anorexic. Where is the line? Why is it okay for some people and not for others?

One of my friends was recently hospitalized for anorexia. She started out somewhat overweight and began dieting to lose weight. People would congratulate her for the weight she lost and say how good she looked. But then those comments started turning into things like "You've lost A LOT of weight..." or "You're getting REALLY thin..." in a negative way. Where is that line that makes it okay for some people to lose weight and not others? I don't understand.