Thanks for this Q&A. There’s good information here. My mother and sister (and many of my friends) have various eating disorders and it is so challenging to express concern in a way that doesn’t make the situation worse. And the common sense of eating three healthy meals a day–how true. Though I sometimes feel like one of the few woman in America who dares to do so. Fasting is an unhealthy and sad way of life for so many. Thanks again!

Thank you for the interview and for putting a little information out there that goes beyond the ‘distressed teenage girl’ trope that I, now a grown woman, have become somewhat tired of. Eating, maintaining relationships and daily structure, accepting oneself, these are things that are good for all of us and applicable to every age.

Most of all, however, I heart the last paragraph: “But you must look beyond the homework and extracurricular activities. You have to look straight into their eyes, and ask yourself if there is a sadness there.” I wish someone had done that for me; instead, far too often when I tried to hint at my problems (I mean, it’s not as if you didn’t know that what you’re doing is, on some level, insane) I got the very opposite: “But you’re doing great. You accomplish so much. And you’re losing weight!” As if that last point was the ultimate clue of how awesome you are.

So thanks. I hope lots are going to read this.

I consider myself to have an eating disorder without the typical binging and purging; fasting, etc. Mine is just basic compulsive over-eating — because I’m lonely, or bored, or whatever. To me comfort = ice cream. Period. I’ve “comforted” myself to the tune of being 60 pounds overweight.

The most obvious result of this is that I skip events because I think I don’t look good enough.

I have declined/cancelled about 5 important events in the past month, including my college homecoming – the cancelled trip will cost me $100 penalty. Why didn’t I go? Here’s what my brain has to say about that: “What will they/he/she THINK when they see what a COW I am?!?! Just LOOK at that saggy fat on your arms, LOOK at your double chin!!!!” It just goes on and on. That’s my internal dialogue. Sucks. I’ve taken matters into my own hand and have started eating smaller portions and exercising 4 days a week. I want instant results. However, I’m determined to un-hide myself and become proud of my choice to be more disciplined — resulting in a fit, toned body and clothes that I wear and feel confident in.

Thanks so much for this. There just isn’t enough knowledge out there about eating disorders and the willingness of the media (and insurance companies) to recognize them as valid medical conditions continues to exacerbate the issue.