I am getting thin

[Nikia]

In a way it scares the shit out of me (actually that's my problem). On the otherhand, my family thinks that I look so good and so does my husband. I look closer to the media ideal. I have lost 10 lbs in three weeks (not by choice) and now weigh 120lb and am 5'5''. This is still considered healthy and I was ten pounds lighter in high school, but I am concerned. I guess if I lost the weight over a few months instead of a few weeks and through exercise and healthier eating, I'd be happy. With continued digestive problems and no desire to eat though, I am scared because I don't want to drop any more weight. On the otherhand, I am afraid that if I start eating normal again, I'll quickly gain weight because my metabolism must have decreased by now. I just feel out of control.

[GumboYaYa]

1. I have a similar problem.

My metabolism is so fast that I can not gain weight and keep it on. Laugh if you want, but it is a problem.

If you are like me your metabolism will not have slowed. I maintain my weight by eating a few extra snacks during the day and right before bed. Otherwise I would be skinny as a rail.

[Fridays Child]

2. Get to a specialist...

...in endocrinology or gastroenterology. Don't be scared. You may be dealing with something that can be identified and treated.

Let us know.

[CO Liberal]

3. The "Media Ideal" Is Unrealistic

Get to a doctor ASAP!!!!!!

[4_Legs_Good]

4. Are you better???

I don't know if you've lost the weight due to a sickness, and have now recovered or not. If you're still sick, I agree, make sure you see someone!

If you're better, it sounds like a *perfect* time to me to start eating well and getting on an exercise program. Don't starve yourself, but if you like your thinness, just eat good food!

I am (male) and 6'2" and weigh about 165 lbs. My whole life (well at times) I've tried to gain weight to no avail, and I could eat WHATEVER I wanted and nothing - NOTHING. Then I turned 30. I'm still thin, but I can no longer eat whatever if I don't want to put on fat, so, again, for me, it's a perfect time to start to watch what I eat and get on a (light, I'm too lazy for anything serious, plus it's just not me) exercise program.

A lot of people hate it, but counting calories for a week at least shows you what you can/can't eat in a given day. I think the recommended calorie intake is 2,000. So count 'em up, and see what you can do with it. Somehow, just knowing the number and watching it, made me (I'm not saying it will do this for everyone) be a lot more picky about what I eat. Crap loaded with empty calories kinda seems pointless now, but stuff that's nutritious or very low in calories seem like a really good deal.

It's hard to explain, but it's kinda fun, particularly when you're utterly bored at work.

Sorry to go on!

david

[Nikia]

5. My digestive problems have improved a little

I actually thought that I was better for a couple of days last week, then I ate some fatty food, dairy products, and caffeine. I have been having problems since then but not quite to the extent of my original illness and have called the doctor who scheduled me for a colonoscopy next week. I hope to be eating somewhat normally beofre then. I probably will be staying away from fatty stuff anyway for a while out of fear that I'll get worse again. Yes, this is a good time to start consistent healthful eating and exercise as soon as I am confident that my body can handle it (I've been feeling a little weak).

[4_Legs_Good]

6. Glad you're on the mend, buuuuut...

I'm even more glad that you're going to see a doctor. I have no idea what the problem could be, but you don't want to play games with rapid weight loss, whether intended or unintended!

If the colonoscopy turns up okay (which I hope and expect it will), you might want to see a nutritionist. Maybe it's an alergy or some kind of infection. (???)

Good luck, get better, and we'll be thinking of you!

david

[blm]

7. Don't go under 120...

You're at a healthy weight right now. Concentrate on overcoming the unhealthy fear. ( Anything between 120 and 140 at your height is healthy.) But, if you still feel poorly then you may have a more serious problem.