Obeserexia and you?

heartpdx

Before MFP, I worked a physically intensive job and consumed about 500-700 calories a day...trying to lose weight by the "calories in/out" principle. Bad pay and debt from unemployment had me having to make some tough budget choices (and groceries were the most expendable).

I began to wonder why it was that I was eating so much less than others around me, working my bottom off, and still not losing weight (if anything gaining). So when I met with a new doctor, I discussed. She said that a lot of overweight women came to her with a similar story--and that as a thin person she found herself eating all the time.

I can't remember how I then stumbled on to MFP, but as a life long dieter who had wasted money on diets I figured "its free, I might as well try". Over the past month, I have embraced the wonder of a helper and source of inspiration and education that is MFP.

Learning the truth about the "starvation mode" has been an eye opener. Then I found this post which TOTALLY describes me:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/3047-700-calories-a-day-and-not-losing

So I was wondering to day, does anyone else relate? Is obeserexia (I made the term up) a more common problem than is acknowledged by medical field/media/etc?

Does anyone else struggle with trying to keep up eating calories (like anorexia, struggle with an internal dialogue/struggle for control)?

Undoubtedly, because I was consuming so few calories on a daily basis this contributed to my consistent fatigue and low motivation to work out. Since I have been on MFP, I have focused more on exercise for health/endurance than weight loss and that has helped...plus, I think maintaining a routine calorie intake has increased my energy and motivation.

Wondering if anyone else feels a similar link?

Jade_Butterfly

Wow. That is amazing. Glad that you found the help that you needed without incurring a worse health problem than weight, being that you were eating so little. Hugz

lbelfrey

Yes, I agree. I am under my calorie intake, completed my workout and I'm not hungry. I still feel I ate too much today. So I looked over my log and it was actually good. Its just wierd that I'm eating and don't have to feel guilty about it. I guess it's the choice of food that makes all the difference! Well, I hope it works. Let me know how you do as well.
Take care,
Louisa

healthyskore

I can understand the problem with trying the "starvation mode". I started researching why it rarely works and the common information I came up with was that your body tends to go into "store mode" when you haven't eaten something in 4 hours or more. That's why it's recommended to eat something small every 2-4 hours.

Splitting up 3 main meals a day into 6-9 small helps to keep your metabolism running and burning fuel. I haven't really changed my diet much, more so because I can't since I've overseas, but I try to meet my calorie goal every day since I do 60 minutes of cardio 5 days out of the week.

Eating enough and a healthy diet can help just as much as exercise.

Keep up the great work!!!

SunLove8

I think A LOT of people deal with this and I think it's fantastic that you brought this up! I'm so glad you are on MFP and realize what the healthy and long term weight loss and fitness scale is. If I could buy a blimp to float around America at the least it would advertise, MFP. You are doing terrific and I'm always here for ya

meggiemaye

This is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely relate. :flowerforyou:

jellybaby84

I think hte problem is in terminology and diagnostic criteria.

It sounds to me like you were anorexic. I too used to go for months at a time existing on 500 - 700 calories a day (less in some phases) and my weight dropped to 80 pounds. It can only be because of your body make up that your weight didn't drop, the anorexic behaviours were still there.

Doctors need to realise that all anorexics are not skinny and that even someone with an obese bmi can be starving themselves to death.

Sorry, pet peeve.

Glad you're doing better now anyway.

MzBug

I lived that way for years. It is still mind boggling that I am eatting MORE and losing weight. I don't toss and turn at night, I actually get sleep. I am not so tired I fall asleep at stop lights. I am not surviving on coffee to keep going. I actually feel hungry now when it is time to eat again...never felt hungry when I skipped meals or entire days without eatting. I don't have the "kill for" carb cravings. My nails are growing and getting stronger. Lots of benefits to this eatting thing!

BflSaberfan

This is my mother and my sister in law to a TEE. Both overweight, barely eat.