Obsessed with weight

[Yuja]

This probably isn't the right place to ask, but not sure where to put the thread. About 3 years ago I was a bit overweight (BMI 26-27) so made a big effort to lose weight and settled at a weight of 56-57kg which I was happy with - I'm 5'6. I've been very careful at maintaining and able to keep the weight off with a healthy diet and minimal treat type food. I weighed myself about once a month. A little while ago I gained up to 58kg and it's sent me into a bit of a spiral of obsessing about weight and feeling fat. Objectively I know I am not but I feel it. I've eaten less and less and just have 1 small meal a day at dinner and a bit of fruit or something like that at lunch. I've not touched a 'treat' for months. I'm weighing myself every day and telling myself that I'll allow myself to eat if my weight is under a certain number. I'm now at a BMI of 18.8 which I know is teetering on the edge of a serious issue. I don't really know what to do about this. I'm 37, I've not got a history of poor mental health or eating disorders. But I can't make myself eat more and I know it's an issue. Would a GP be a good move or somewhere else? Thanks

It sounds like you have an earring disorder. There are lots of charities which should be able to help with advice and support. Remember you don't have to have a low bmi to have disordered eating. Hope you can find some help.

Your bmi is very low. You konw this. You also know that your behaviours and thoughts around food are not usual. Yes start with your gp, ask the be put in touch with any services they know of who can help

Yeah I definitely know it is low and I am not behaving 'normally'. I want to nip this in the bud I just wonder if a GP would dismiss because it's not technically underweight. But if they could point me in the direction of another service then that would be useful

Yes I'd move quite quickly with seeking help.. this snowballs rather quickly.. you may already be malnourished, when you don't have enough sustenance your brain doesn't function correctly, which ends up perpetuating the disordered eating as it doesn't have the energy to rationalise, then the lower your weight goes the worse your brain function becomes which in itself causes depression.. then it's especially hard to recover. The disorder tells you to not eat as much as you can get away with, but food will be the only cure to feed your brain and to start being able to think and process everything:(

Yes you need help and quickly. Your thought patterns constitute an eating disorder and your weight will continue to drop.
Your bones and heart will be suffering and I'd be surprised if you are still having regular periods. Please get help. Your GP will not dismiss this.

Thank you. I don't have periods anyway as I have a mirena coil which stopped them. I feel okay in myself, feel like I eat enough as am still working and feeling okay etc but I recognise this isn't good. I'll contact the GP.

Definitely contact the GP. I've been there. You think you are in control but you aren't, and it could spiral rapidly downhill.

Thank you have contacted gp

Now it is quite clear that the OP is having an issue with food here. She’s recognising that and seeking help. That’s excellent. It’s the first major breakthrough step.

However, your post is a bit fearmongering based on the very blunt tool that is BMI. I suspect you’re trying to strike fear and galvanise her into action, fine. My BMI is naturally 17-18. I’m just small framed. I eat well, exercise well, and have normal periods. Always have. Without seeing the OP’s build and blood test results, diagnosing osteoporosis, amennorhea, and heart issues isn’t wise.

OP, really glad you’ve recognised the hole you’re slipping into. Good luck.

Try BEAT probably where your gp will signpost you