Am I heading towards an eating disorder?

[LucyLastik]

I have been on slimming world for the past 14 weeks and in that time, have lost 2 stone. I've gone from a size 16-18 to a 12-14. The trouble is, although I can see a difference, I still feel really big.

I'm worried that this is going to develop into some kind of disorder as I can't imagine ever feeling satisfied with my body size/shape. I picked up a new pair of jeans in the laundry today and had to do a double take... They look too tiny (in my mind) to fit me as I'm still so big.

When do you start to feel different after weight loss and is there anything I can do to help myself overcome this?

[tabulahrasa]

Give it time - I find it takes a while to adjust your mental image of yourself.

[theaveragebear1983]

have you done your measurements? I lost 3 stone with slimming world but as I lost it very slowly due to meds etc (lost 1/2 to 1lb a week) I barely noticed the change in my body shape. Doing measurements really helped me. Also, I found that I woud have periods of no weight loss for a few weeks, and this seemed to be the time when my body shrank inches rather than pounds. I don't think you're heading for an eating disorder, but perhaps everyone has some degree of dysmorphia and we need to really look at ourselves closely to see the difference weight loss can make? You've done really well so don't beat yourself up!

[GlitzAndGigglesx]

Tbh I didn't notice it myself when looking in the mirror. I wasn't actively trying to lose weight but then I wasn't eating as much and my job is physical so always moving. It took a few people to mention that I need to be eating regularly. I used to smoke too so would usually have a coffee and cig on my break rather than food. Mine wasn't a drastic weight loss though, I went from a size 12-14 to an 8-10 over the space of around 6 months. I think it hit me when my size 10-12 clothes felt looser

[MisForMumNotMaid]

I can completely relate to what you've posted. I've gone from an elastic waists only 18/ 20 to a 10/12 5 stone loss since last summer.

If I have a meal out I expect to wake up a size 20 again the next day. I feel almost embarrassed picking out smaller sized clothes like the shop assistant is going to laugh and say who is this for - like they would anyway.

I can't look at something and see if it'll fit me because my self perception is off.

I've found body gallery helpful in trying to get a better self perception. I'm sure time will play the biggest factor.

I am a bit sad to realise that the years wont fall off as the weight has. My body is no longer that of a teen, i'm a slimmer 40 year old rather than a sporty teen (last time I was this size). I'm glad to have lost the weight, now I just have to learn to love the body I have.

I don't think its any sign of an eating disorder. Our consultant talks of the holiday she took when she got to target and bursting into tears poolside because losing the weight didn't actually change her into a 6ft busty, leggy model. She was just a slimmer version of herself.

[LucyLastik]

Thank you everyone for your replies. Mis, I think you've summed up how I feel, beautifully.