Obsessed With Food and Weight

Question:

Just because I weigh myself all the time and weigh all my food, avoid fat and run every morning doesn't make mean I have an eating disorder does it? My weight is in the normal range but my friends tell me I am obsessed with food and weight like an anorexic.

Answer:

It is hard to hear friends label you with words like "obsessed" or "anorexic". It sounds as though you are wondering if there are reasons for your friends' concern.

You may want to ask yourself whether you have developed anorexic thinking and/or an eating disorder lifestyle. Do you see yourself as fat, even though others see you as thin? Do your moods depend on your weight on the scale? Do you spend much of your time thinking about food and calories? Are you spending less time in fun and social activities? Do you try to be perfect in your work, your relationships, your health? Do you eat less or exercise more when you are upset? If you find that any of these questions relate to your situation, it might be beneficial to get professional help. A psychotherapist can help you understand whether your focus on food and exercise has become problematic and how to develop a healthy relationship with yourself and your body.