Navigating Concerns About Weight and Eating Habits
Greetings, medical professionals. I am a 19-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 113 pounds. I am prescribed Xanax to manage my anxiety episodes. Recently, I had a brief period of using Adderall and cocaine, but it's been two weeks since I last used either substance. I sought medical advice regarding my low weight, which I have been maintaining through a pretty severe diet. I've started to contemplate the possibility of having an eating disorder. Recently, fears have arisen concerning the potential long-term harm my current habits could inflict, prompting me to reach out in search of support. After consulting with a doctor, I underwent lab testing and returned for a follow-up appointment at the beginning of last week. The results indicated everything was normal, and she stated, "I don’t see the need for a treatment referral. Your lab results are fine, you don’t appear malnourished, and you've even gained a few pounds since your last visit. I doubt you’re anorexic; once you stop the drugs, your weight will stabilize." I am feeling quite embarrassed, almost as if I’ve exaggerated my situation and that there’s nothing genuinely concerning about my health. Yet, I continue to grapple with the nagging sensation that I shouldn’t indulge in eating or allow my weight to increase. In fact, I have already lost the two pounds I managed to gain. Is it advisable for me to seek a second opinion from another doctor? I am unable to see a therapist specializing in this field without a referral. Honestly, tackling this on my own feels overwhelming. I oscillate between belittling my concerns, thinking my worries are unfounded, and experiencing genuine fear that something is amiss. What should my next steps be?
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 12:10:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns; it's clear you're navigating a complex situation regarding your weight, eating habits, and mental health. Here’s a summary of key points and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Concerns About Eating and Weight: Your awareness of potential eating habits and mental health impacts is essential, even if previous evaluations indicated normal lab results.
- Mental Health Impact: Your anxiety and history with substances may be contributing to your feelings around food and body image.
- Next Steps: It’s important to prioritize mental health support, reassess your relationship with food, and ensure a healthy approach to eating.
Explanation:
Your weight and eating patterns can significantly impact your mental and physical health. It's common to experience feelings of embarrassment or self-doubt about discussing these concerns. Acknowledging that you’re grappling with these feelings is a positive first step. Even though your lab results are normal and you’ve been told you are not malnourished, your continued anxiety and weight loss signal that something still warrants attention.
Sometimes, feelings about weight can be linked to deeper mental health challenges, and it's important to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Seek a Second Opinion: If your concerns about your eating habits and mental health persist, seeking a second opinion from a different healthcare provider can help validate your feelings and explore your concerns more thoroughly. Ensure this provider has experience with eating disorders and mental health.
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Document Your Feelings: Start keeping a journal to track your eating habits, thoughts about food, and emotional state. This can help you identify patterns and triggers, which can be very useful when discussing your feelings with a healthcare professional.
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Nourish Your Body: Gradually work towards reintroducing balanced meals with a focus on whole foods. Aim for regular meals that include carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. If you're struggling with what this looks like, consider including a variety of colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
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Connect with Support Resources: While you may need a referral for therapy, you can also look for resources such as online support groups or community programs focused on mental health and healthy eating. Many organizations provide free resources and information.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Recognize that it’s okay to ask for help and that your feelings are valid. Building a healthier relationship with food and your body takes time and support.
Closing Support:
You're not alone in feeling this way, and it’s commendable that you're taking steps to seek help. Healing can be a journey, but you’re on the right path by reaching out and considering your options thoughtfully. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and well-being is essential. If you have more questions or need further support, please keep the conversation going!
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