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read my other post (and the comments below it):
http://isitnormal.com/story/is-it-normal-to-think-that-diets-should-be-punishment-to-work-152682/
| yes, if you eat the "wrong" way it is possible | 40 | |
| no, you have to be skinny to be anorexic | 26 | |
| maybe | 19 | |
| other (comment below) | 5 |
Technically, by DSM standards you do have to be underweight, or else your disorder is classified as EDNOS (eating disorder not otherwise specified). I think the standard ought to be changed, actually, because right now, too many people aren't getting diagnosed until they're already very sick. Also, for me, it makes being thin enough to be diagnosed as anorexic a sort of goal, because a diagnosis of anorexia would feel more validating than being diagnosed with bulimia (with anorexic behaviours) or EDNOS.
Yes, you can technically. Some people have a stout build that prevents them from really looking like a toothpick. I get the appeal to wanting to be bone-sticking out thin but it doesn't seem like the way to go cause from what I've heard, even if others see your bones you'll still see a muffin top.
anorexia is an eating disorder, not a body type. it is defined as "an emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat." a fat person can most definitely be anorexic. ignorant.
From what I know of the DSM IV and ICD 10 criteria for diagnosing anorexia nervosa, you need to be underweight to be diagnosed. So no, you can't be fat and be anorexic. However, if you have all the unhealthy mindsets that are in concordance with anorexia then there is a good chance that if you lost the weight you would then be classified as anorexic. As it is, I think you just have a really unhealthy and distorted view of how to lose weight safely.
EDIT: Sources:
http://www.mentalhealth.com/icd/p22-et01.html
http://www.eatingdisorders.org.nz/index.php?id=764
ICD 10 specifies that a body mass index of 17.5 or lower is required, amongst other symptoms. Both systems of diagnosis specify you need to be under 85% of your "expected weight".
No. Anyone who answers you must be skinny to be anorexic has no idea about eating disorders.
anorexia
1.A lack or loss of appetite for food (as a medical condition).
2.An emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat.
No where in either of those definitions do they say 'undweight'. If you starve yourself to lose weight you are anorexic, I mean there are other factors but that's the basics of anorexia.
Those are dictionary definitions, though, not medical definitions. By the DSM-IV, you have to be underweight to be diagnosed as anorexic. Personally, I think that standard should be changed, but that's how it is right now.
Also, definition 1 is referring to anorexia as a symptom, not anorexia nervosa.
You may have to be underweight to be diagnosed with anorexia but that doesn't mean you can't have it when you aren't underweight, either way it's still the same unhealthy addiction/disorder. Kind of like maybe if a skinny person was to binge (not purge). I'm no doctor but I'm pretty sure that's unhealthy. If a bigger person doesn't eat they may not be treated by a doctor, though they should, but they are anorexic. I gave my opinion, I'm no doctor but I think if you binge, purge or don't eat at all you have an eating disorder no matter what your shape or size.
You're right that it's unhealthy regardless of your size. You don't have to be thin for a a or exit behaviours to be dangerous and potentially deadly. My point was that such a disorder is classified as EDNOS, which I agree is basically bullshit. If you have anorexic behaviours but don't fall into the right weight range to be diagnosed, I think it's perfectly legitimate to self-identify as anorexic.
Once when I was at Shands hospital, I was talking to a guy he said he was homeless and there were many days he didn't eat. My bmi is about 19.5 currently. (although aiming for lower in healthy way since I am on a model site) He look atleast 15lbs bigger than me. His arms looked bigger than mine. Surprised he hardly eats.
I know quite a few chubby anorexics, when they get help they tend to put on weight.
My cousin suffers from it, though she is dangerously skinny, but her friends in her unit thing, were a little chubby.
Infact Anorexics usually eat MUCH more than the ordinary person when they are on their treatment.