[ChefMagoo]

I've had this issue for years but lately it has been bothering me a whole lot. If I don't exercise, I feel disgusting. Fat, gross, almost like I have this "coating" of grossness. I'll find faults with my body- thighs are too big, jiggly stomach, etc.

After i exercise (mostly cardio, not so much with weights), I feel "cleaner". I also literally SEE a different person. Perfect example is tonite i went for a very long run (8+ miles) and when i got back, i looked at my legs in my running shorts and they actually LOOKED thinner and more toned. It makes me feel like i'm going insane! I'm not sure if my opinion of what i look like before and after exercise changes or if I'm actually seeing something different. I also don't know if it's related to an eating disorder I had many years ago (not formally diagnosed, but something was not normal) or if it's BDD or what. Have any of you ever had this issue?

[bronzeowl]

I have that issue lately. What started out as moderate exercise has progressed into overexercising. I, also, have eating issues which I still haven't discussed with my doctor but realize I should.

It sounds like it could be BDD. It truly is a tough thing to go through, though.

[Sunny*1]

I'm not sure what it is, but I can tell you that I am the same way. I exercise multiple times a day because it relieves anxiety and makes me feel better about my body. It's like I'm "emptied" the toxins from my body even if I haven't eaten anything. I think part of it is psychological (what you see) and part of it is physiological - letting go of water retention, muscles, etc. Possibly some dehydration? That can make you look different and make muscles appear when they normally wouldn't.

I'd be interested in what other's said or if it is a form of BDD.

[ChefMagoo]

That's a relief im not the only one experiencing this (but I am sorry you have to also). I just don't really know why its like this. As soon as I eat something, I feel as though I've instantly gained weight. And I also feel like I SEE things no one else does. It also depends on the food. The worse it is for me the fatter I feel. I could eat 12 pounds of fruit and vegetables and mentally feel fine, but if I eat a burger I just feel disgusting and like I need to go run or lift right away.

Thanks for the advice everyone

[Anika.]

You will look more toned directly after exercise, not just a trick of the eye. Especially with a long run like you did. The muscles contract and take a while to relax and stretch back out, gives the appearance of tighter, toned muscles. Blood also rushes to the muscles which creates a bit of a swell. That is what happens to me after I exercise, and like Sunny mentioned as well, dehydration can also be a factor. Dehydration will also cause your muscles to cramp up.

The rest of it I can relate with. I have bdd along with anorexia. What is more concerning to me is about how you feel about food and your body. Cleaner, coating of grossness, feeling like you have instantly gained after a meal and feeling disgusting, could all be troubling feelings when relating to your body and nourishment. So that is not to say you are not suffering from bdd or disordered eating, or unhealthy food and body realations. Because it seems to be effecting you. I

A burger may feel gross, well it is greasy etc. Healthy food naturally does feel better especially if you are exercising alot. The body will likely crave healthier more nutritious food then. This thought should probably not go alot further to where you are labeling your body as disgusting. Maybe a burger is a bit fatty, make you instantly fatter ? No, that is where I see some potential trouble.

You seem concerned, and do have concerning feelings. I think that warrants talking to a professional about it, and getting feedback and help for issues you may have here. Worse thing would be to ignore red flags and end up with a full blown ed that is out of control right?