Do I have bulimia?

[2304ssz]

Hi all, I have been wondering about this for a number of years now...I am 5 ft 4 and around 61 kg / 9st 10lbs - so a healthy BMI. I exercise A LOT. I go to the gym around 5-6 times per week. I've run marathons, done triathlons and half IronMan races. However, I binge on junk food; I do it once every 2 weeks usually. Over the 2 week period I am very strict with my diet and exercise, then that second weekend will come and I will binge like mad. I mean I go to the shops, buy a trolley full of junk food (chocolate, popcorn, crisps, cookies, pizzas, icecream etc) and eat unhealthily for 2-3 days. Then I feel so much guilt and so get back to my exercise and strict healthy eating. I have always been weight conscious for as long as I can remember and always been conscious of my figure. When I was around 17 years old (I am now 26) I lost around 1.5 stone in weight and became underweight, again from over exercise and undereating. But after around 12 months, I gained the weight. I have never made myself sick so I never believed that you could have bulimia without making yourself sick...but now I have researched it a bit more, I am worried that this is what I have? Any help would be much appreciated.

[Hidden]

Hi! 2304ssz ☺Well here's my opinion (for what its worth 😌) By your own account you binge, but you don't purge. What you binge on is carbs, sugar and salt. An athlete does need higher quantities of these. Then you over exercise and eat what you consider healthy to compensate for your binging 😮 As you've had an issue with your weight in the past, no wonder you are worried about yourself 😔 Can you please go and see your GP for a referral to a therapist/counsellor for low esteem that is causing too much "body awareness" also if you can afford it get a blood test based on your cravings ~ it will give you peace of mind, which u ou need. I'm absolutely not a doctor. Look after yourself 🌺

[2304ssz in reply to Hidden]

Thank you joolzzz for your reply !! Yes I will go and see my GP as I am really fed up with this cycle I am stuck in and I really don't think it is a normal way to be and I would love to have a normal relationship with food. Thank you so much again for replying, I really appreciate it! x

[Hidden in reply to 2304ssz]

Well hun I hope you do ~ you are young (even if you don't think so!!) You owe it to yourself 💚💚💚

[StarB]

I would definitely say you Have some form of an eating disorder. Look into therapy and start learning to love your body! Treat it well and allow yourself treats- healthy treats! I suffered with an ED and have now started my own healthy eating blog! I develop loads of healthy treats if you want to check it out its sophieshealthykitchen.com

Take care x

[2304ssz in reply to StarB]

Hi StarB, thank you so much for your reply. Yes I am really going to investigate this and try and get help as I am really fed up of this cycle I am in and want to see food as fuel and treat my body well by feeling it right and if I do want a treat, try to stick to healthy treats. I will check out your blog!! Thank you again for all your help xx

[StarB in reply to 2304ssz]

That's great to hear! I wish you all the best! Stay strong and keep healthy! Xx

[crazycrossstitcher]

I don't think labelling your problem is perhaps helpful - its the fact that you don't have a healthy relationship with food or your body - and you clearly recognise that you have difficulties and a problem. Suggest you approach your GP and explain how you feel and ask to be referred to an eating disorders specialist to help you gain a better relationship with food. Good luck.

[2304ssz in reply to crazycrossstitcher]

Thank you crazycrossstitcher. I have made the step and contacted my GP and have an appointment next Friday. I think it will be good to speak with a professional.

[crazycrossstitcher in reply to 2304ssz]

Great news - you've taken a huge step to do this - I will pray the appointment goes well and you get the right help to free your life from this problem.