A
female
age
26-29,
*onfused...
writes:is there something wrong with me? i feel like the fattest person in the world at 48 kg, i know that's not fat or over weight, but everytime i look in the mirror i see a horrible, ugly, disgusting fat creature. my mom says i have a regular body but i feel like she's lying to me...and i feel fatter everytime i eat a single bite of food. am i crazy? Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, k_c100  +, writes (27 April 2010):
 No you are not crazy, this happens to many young men and women all over the world. The problem is that what you see in the mirror is not what everyone else sees when they look at you - in the mirror you think you look fat but everyone else sees a very slim young girl. This is actually quite a common problem, the name for it is body dysmorphic disorder (BDD).
The definition of this illness is as follows:
"A disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by a perceived defect in his or her physical features (body image). BDD always includes a debilitating or excessive fear of judgement by others, as is seen with social anxiety, social phobia and some OCD problems; or alternately may be a part of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and compulsive overeating. Although the term "body dysmorphic disorder" itself describes only those excessive social acceptance fears that relate to one's personal body image. Depending on the individual it may or may not also be part of one of these wider or related syndromes.
The sufferer may complain of several specific features or a single feature, or a vague feature or general appearance, causing psychological distress that impairs occupational and/or social functioning, sometimes to the point of severe depression and anxiety, development of other anxiety disorders, social withdrawal or complete social isolation, and more. It is estimated that 1–2% of the world's population meet all the diagnostic criteria for BDD."
Basically what this is trying to say is that the sufferer (i.e. you) are pre-occupied with a defect in your body image that does not exist in reality. This idea that you are fat and eating is going to make you fatter is in your head, but when you look in your mirror your mind tricks you into believing it is true. The defect exists in the eyes of the beholder (you), and one with BDD really does feel as if they see something there that is defective.
BDD is quite serious and if you leave this untreated you could become very ill with an eating disorder, which can ultimately be fatal. The fact that you are starting to view food as the enemy and that each bite will make you fatter suggests you are developing an eating disorder - this obsession with food will only get worse if you do not seek medical help. At 48kg (depending on your height) you are very slim, and if you lose any more weight you are going to be underweight I would imagine, therefore you are putting your health at risk.
I think you need to talk to your mum and tell her you are very worried about your behaviour towards food and are worried that you might be developing an eating disorder, and that you would like to visit your doctor.
Feeling a bit fat is normal for a teenager, but feeling that every bite for food, even vegetables and fruit, is making you fat is very worrying. You are by no means crazy but if you do not go to see a doctor then this could get a lot worse and become very serious. The best thing to do is seek professional help now before it gets any worse.
If you need any further help then message me or post a follow up and I will try my best.
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (27 April 2010): hi i just wanted to say that i had the same thoughts but i let mine get out of control my body is now covered with a skin 3 sizes too big i am unhealthy but if u think about food another way every bite makes your body healthy strong and beautiful your body needs some of the good stuff ie chocolate and junk aswell as the grate stuff fruit and veg. enjoy your food and just keep active the mind is powerful and you can make yourself believe anything you want i know you wont believe your parents because they have to say it right, thats rubbish by the way i am a parent and if my daughter looks a scruff bag i tell her and if she was overweight id have to do something for,, her own benefit. she also has a weight issue but i tell her if your healthy and fit then your body is obviously a ok,
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A
male
reader, C. Grant  +, writes (27 April 2010):
 Kiddo, you're not crazy -- all kinds of girls have the same idea. But it *is* a problem, because you think there's something wrong. You're perfectly alright as you are. 48 kilos at your age is just around where you should be. I can only imagine just how lovely you are. If there's anyone telling you otherwise, understand that he doesn't have a clue. Eat healthy food, get a sensible amount of exercise, and know that you are *perfect*.
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A
male
reader, Brunel  +, writes (27 April 2010):
Now this is merely part of growing up and I want you to go to your Doctor or School counsellor to discuss it. If not checked the mindset may lead to problems in the future. Please do not be afraid to discuss with your parents as well.
You are a very sensible and intelligent lady to acknowledge that you have an issue?
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