Opposite of anorexia...?
I'm 5'5", [edited by Anomalia for weight specifics / triggers] lbs. I think I might have an eating disorder but it's the opposite of anorexia. When I look in the mirror, I think I am too thin and unattractive. I constantly see things about how "real women have curves" and it destroys my confidence. I've been told I look healthy and even "curvy", but when I look in the mirror, I see a body that is not feminine at all. My measurements are [edited]. That would have been considered nice 20 years ago, but I feel like since the Kardashians became popular, extreme hourglass measurements [edited] are the only thing people see as attractive. In order to gain weight, I sometimes eat to the point where I feel sick, and I have to stop myself from throwing up. My friends have teased me for being too thin and I wish I looked like them. I always feel jealous of extremely curvy girls and I feel like that's what my boyfriend wants. I wish I could look in the mirror and feel attractive. I hate my body.
Hello @GoldieLox98! Thank you so much for sharing what you're going through--I'm so sorry you're going through this! While nobody can diagnose you with anything at 7 Cups of Tea, I would encourage you to look into Binge Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and to possibly think about speaking with a doctor or a mental health professional about these struggles to get a clearer idea of what's been going on and to help you get better. You're certainly not alone with this, and I'll be wishing you all the best!
@theworldisquiethere thank you very much for your concern. I will discuss this with my therapist. I think body dysmorphia is definitely a possibility because I seem to see myself differently than others do. I could have binge eating disorder. I will look into this.
I just want to say that there is a word out there that bodybuilders use. I don't remember the word but if anyone knows it they can say it.
@Fear333, are you thinking of muscle dysmorphia? It's a subtype of body dysmorphic disorder that's known for being found in the bodybuilding community!
@theworldisquiethere my boyfriend is a power lifter and I think he has this. He is a perfectly healthy weight for his height, but he thinks he is too thin. He is obsessed wit getting bigger, and it's sad because he's not unhealthy and he's very attractive.
@GoldieLox98, I hope he's able to get help someday if he's suffering with this! Any body dysmorphic disorder can be so painful and difficult to live with, but I'm glad that your boyfriend as someone as clearly kind and caring as you are by his side. Maybe seeing you pursing treatment and recovery for your own struggles will inspire or motivate him to ask for help for himeslf!
