Struggles with Eating Habits Leading to Digestive Issues
Hello, I'm truly at a loss and desperately seeking guidance. I’m a 16-year-old female who has been engaging in restrictive eating for around five months. Over the last couple of months, my situation has deteriorated, leading me to consume very few calories daily—between 200 and 600. As a result, my BMI has dropped from 18.6 to 15.8, and I've begun to experience concerning health issues. I've noticed symptoms such as bradycardia with occasional irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, a decreased white blood cell count, unexpected bruising, constant feelings of coldness, and persistent fatigue that makes even walking up stairs feel exhausting. Additionally, my skin and knuckles are particularly dry, I've missed my period for a month, and I've faced challenges with my bowel movements. Typically, there’s a six-day interval between my trips to the bathroom, but this week, things seemed to improve until today. I found myself in an embarrassing situation—I had to step out of a show halfway through because I experienced diarrhea. When I confided in my mother about these bowel irregularities, she suggested that my eating habits might be the culprit for both my weight loss and the absence of my period. She inquired if I had weighed myself recently, and although I had just checked this morning, I said no. My mind is constantly telling me that I’m not sick enough, yet this experience left me feeling humiliated and frightened. I feel uncertain about what it would mean to admit that I’m struggling and worry about losing the control I have over my eating habits. What are the consequences of revealing to my mother how little I’ve been consuming? Currently, I’m receiving support from CAMHS for depression—maybe this context is useful. At the moment, my diarrhea has subsided (I think), but my stomach still feels off. I’m left questioning whether this is something that requires urgent medical attention or if it will resolve itself.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 9:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s commendable that you’re seeking help and expressing your struggles; recognizing concerns is the first step towards healing. The symptoms you’re describing, including significant weight loss, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, indicate that your body is under severe stress due to inadequate nutrition.
Explanation:
At 16, your body is still developing, and proper nutrition is crucial for growth and overall health. Consuming too few calories can lead to serious health consequences, including hormonal imbalances (which may explain your missed period), weakened immune function (as seen in your low white blood cell count), and gastrointestinal problems. Your symptoms of bradycardia and feeling cold might also be a response to your body conserving energy due to malnutrition.
This situation needs to be taken seriously, not only for your physical health but also to ensure your mental well-being. It may feel daunting to address this with your mother, but it’s important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Next Steps:
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Prioritize Nutrition: Gradually increase your caloric intake to a healthier level. Aim for balanced meals that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and healthy fats. Consider consulting reliable resources on healthy eating or meal planning to guide you.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a daily diary of your symptoms, food intake, and emotions. This can help you observe patterns and will be useful when discussing your situation with a caring adult or a healthcare provider.
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Communicate with Your Mother: When you feel ready, have an open and honest conversation with your mother about what you are experiencing. Expressing your fears and struggles can help her understand what you need and eliminate feelings of isolation.
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Continue Seeking Support: Engage with your support system, such as CAMHS, and consider discussing your eating habits and symptoms during your sessions. Therapy can help you navigate your feelings about food and control.
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Monitor Immediate Symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or you experience severe issues such as chest pain, fainting, or persistent digestive problems, consider seeking urgent medical evaluation.
The journey towards better health may feel overwhelming, but each step you take can lead to positive changes. Remember, you're not alone in this, and support is available.
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