Possible eating disorder

[u/neon_pizza]

I (22F) may think I have a slight hint of an eating disorder but I'm not really sure. Due to my proportions and genetics I acknowledge I am prone to put on weight fast. I was at a time in my life when I was chubbier (not noticeable but I saw it in clothes size), nothing fit right, I looked different and didn't know what was wrong. I've always said that if I put weight on I won't be able to get fit with exercise or eating right because I lack self discipline and I'm kinda lazy so I would rather not get to that point at all.

With uni (4 years now), living in a dorm, having less space, less money and less time, I started to not eat 3 meals a day for various reasons: being at uni most of the time and mostly being lazy to cook, wash dishes etc and sticking to snacks and drinking more water.

I was a kid who really had an appetite and could eat a lot of food at once without a problem. At uni, the main thought was that I'm actually sticking to a better portion size and "you're not really hungry, just bored".

Now, its the same. I don't fell nauseous, wasn't ever on the point or fainting, I just noticed that my usual pants are more loose and other aspects of getting more slim. Honestly, I like it, but....

I know all this is not really a healthy relationship with food, but I am not really sure if it's just a phase or is already entering the realm of ed and I don't want to admit it.

So, please, I'll be really thankful to know about some of your thoughts on this matter and even experiences, all to make me understand if it's normal or a deeper problem.

[u/_zefstar]

hi! i 24f, am in active recovery and have been receiving outpatient treatment for 2.5 years. i totally empathize with the self discipline part too!

at the beginning of my journey, i truly thought i had disordered eating or weird quirks. never was a 3 meals a day girlie, more like one meal and snacks but once we got into my thoughts my therapist was like… girl lol

i think it really comes down to your thought process when it comes to food. behaviors are important too but it starts cognitively! are you looking to control intake, weight? is the food noise loud? all day? during hunger cues? how do you feel when you skip a eating moment or during?

these are the type of questions i think can answer a lot for you! and ed can fuse their dialogue with your own so while you may think you just did something positive for yourself, thats ed, and something to distinguish. it takes practice! but i recommend meeting with a specialized therapist if accessible OP! they will really be able to see through the weeds and get you appropriate care!

weight and size is the least interesting thing about a person. remember that you deserve to take care of yourself and be authentically you. ❤️

[u/neon_pizza → u/_zefstar]

Usually I don't really think about controlling my weight or what I eat to an obsessive level. But recently, my mom told me that "maybe your stomach hurts because you don't eat normal " and I thought to myself "I wouldn't start to eat 3 meals a day, I like how I look now"

[u/_zefstar → u/neon_pizza]

im no doctor but that raises an eyebrow! maybe more disordered eating than an eating disorder. if it bothers you, id still recommend therapy or something! best of luck op :)

[u/neon_pizza → u/_zefstar]

😬😬 Good to know Thank you!

[u/minnieninnie → u/_zefstar]

That last part! 🥹 thanks for the reminder. It really is so true that it is the least interesting thing about a person.