ED

how do you know if you have anorexia...cause ive been told i do, but i dont think so if so it just started...about 7 months ago i started to beome not hungery like at all, everyone said your starving yourself, and i was but not intentually, so is their a difference?

There is a difference. Technically the meaning of the word Anorexia is "lack of appetite". However Anorexia Nervosa is not loss of appetite. It entails restricting food with intent. If you lost your appetite and it isn't returning you should see a doctor. Loss of appetite can happen because of many things from stress to Cancer, or medication just to name a few. The weight loss can come with health complications just as in Anorexia Nervosa, you are still at risk of malnutrition if you are not eating sufficiently.

They do refer to loss of appetite as Anorexia, and Anorexia Nervosa when it is an eating disorder. People with Anorexia Nervosa still usually have an appetite to some degree. I see how this can be confusing. I hope that helped a little.

I agree with Anika. I'm suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, i'm afraid of gaining weight and I restrict foods even if I'm hungry. You should see a doctor in that way you can find out better what is happening to you and get the right treatment.

well Ive lost weight, and I happy about it, I was over weight for a long time, now Im almost back to what I weight in as a teen, Ive started eating a little more, my nerves are calmed down a little, but not eating normally...

Then It's probably wise to talk to a dr and make sure there isn't anything else going on. Also you might want to get some blood work done up to make sure you are not coming up short in vitamins and nutrients or electrolytes. You don't even have to be underweight to suffer from malnutrition.

Another sign of adverse affects of this lack of eating on your body would be if you are always cold and/or have blue lips and fingernails. This is a sign of muscle deterioration from not consuming sufficient food. One's heart starts to consume itself, leading to poor circulation and, in some cases, death. I encourage you to look into this. If you suffer from the cold, ask for an EKG. Lots of people with anorexia have an extremely low heart rate.
I wish you the best.

well i stopped loosing weight, yeah i think it was the meds i was on! I lost 60 pounds look awesome but feel cold all the time, BTW I live in California LOL! Anyway, Ive stopped loosing weight my body has adjusted to the meds Im on, and yeah, BTW they did blood work, I have a spinal Tumor, Im getting it taking out this month 5 days before Christmas ! Thanks for the heads up for seeing a doctor and blood work done

it sounds like you're making good progress