Questioning My Relationship with Food and Body Image
I'm currently grappling with whether I might have an eating disorder, and it has left me feeling quite perplexed. For over a year, I've had a troubled relationship with my body image, leading to the recent habit of skipping meals and obsessively checking my weight. Typically, during the weekdays, I find myself consuming only one meal that ranges from 200 to 500 calories, alongside chewing lots of gum and drinking plenty of water. However, on weekends, I allow myself to enjoy two to three meals, and during those times, thoughts about calorie counting and my perceived body size seem to fade away. Standing at 5'7" and weighing approximately between 100 to 103 pounds, I'm hyper-aware of what those around me are eating. If I notice someone consuming less food than I do, it instantly triggers thoughts that I must be significantly heavier than they are, further complicating my self-perception.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 12:40:27 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are navigating some challenging feelings around food and body image, and it’s good that you’re reflecting on these concerns. Disordered eating patterns and negative body image can be distressing, and it’s important to address these in a way that promotes your overall well-being.
Understanding Your Situation: Your experience of skipping meals and obsessively tracking your weight may indicate a problematic relationship with food. These patterns, combined with intense thoughts about calorie intake and your body size, could be signs of an eating disorder. It’s common to feel more relaxed around food during weekends; however, having a very low caloric intake during weekdays can be harmful to your physical and mental health.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Reflect on Your Feelings: Take time to consider what triggers your negative thoughts about your body and food. Journaling can help clarify your feelings and behaviors.
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Increase Meal Frequency: Aim to increase your meals without focusing solely on calories. Consider adding healthy snacks or small meals throughout the day to nourish your body consistently.
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Seek Support from Trusted Individuals: Talk to someone you trust about your feelings—this could be a friend, family member, or a mental health professional. It’s crucial to feel supported as you work through these thoughts.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Understand that everyone struggles with body image and food at times. Consider looking into resources or communities that focus on body positivity and healthy eating.
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Monitor Your Thoughts: Notice when you have negative thoughts about your body or food and challenge them. Ask yourself if these thoughts are realistic or kind.
Remember, taking small steps can lead to more significant changes over time. It’s great that you’re reaching out and examining these feelings—acknowledging the issue is an important first step. If you would like to explore more about body positivity or healthy eating practices, feel free to ask!
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