Thanks
Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
Your question implies that you are using laxatives for reasons other then their intended purpose and perhaps also excessively? Your GP may not be concerned if you are taking ‘fibre supplement’ laxatives which are relatively safe to use in the long term. However, as you are probably aware (given that you are expressing concern about your use of laxatives) long term use of certain laxatives can lead to serious health impacts such as dependency, bowel dysfunction and even electrolyte imbalances. Taking laxatives for weight control alone does not necessarily signal an eating disorder. However, laxatives do not assist weight loss and you may find it useful to speak to a Clinical Psychologist experienced in the assessment and treatment of eating disorders to get clarity around your compulsion to take laxatives and your feelings about your body image. An experienced clinician can help you understand the problem and find effective strategies to address it. I would be interested to know more about your body weight height ratio and your eating habits as well as your ‘emotional state’.
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post.
to your account or now (it's free).Agrees
Thanks
Nutritionist
Hi There,
You may not have an eating disorder as what is clinically defined as one. However, you certainly display disordered eating. Binging, starving and use of laxatives are certianly not considered healthy eating practices. It is a shame your GP has not identified this. I recommend consulting a health psychologist or a dietitian/nutritionist trained in this area.
Healthy eating practices are just as important as the food itself.
All the very best
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post.
to your account or now (it's free).Agree
Thanks
Dietitian
An eating disorder is illustrated when you do not have a good relationship with food. You should be eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are comfortable. Binge eating illustrates an inability to control the amount of food you are consuming – this may be due to a number of reason, perhaps emotional, stress, fatigue, compulsion, anxiety. The starving yourself and the feeling of guilt are negative responses to the binge. Eating should not create these feelings. The use of laxatives is common amongst people with eating disorders as they do not want to gain weight or feel bloated when they binge. If you feel you do not have the power over the food you consume you should be seeing an eating disorder specialist to determine what is causing these uncontrolled binges. It is important that your eating habits are normalised for you to lead a more balanced life as the binges and starvation periods can affect you emotionally, your self image and self confidence. Triggers must be identified for you to overcome these problems. I suggest you see your General Practitioner or a Dietitian who can refer you to the appropriate specialist.
You must be a HealthShare member to report this post.
to your account or now (it's free).