By: Jamie Thompson
Updated: Jan. 20, 2021
Around Halloween, I found myself weighing about 220 lbs and wearing size 2X clothing. I had no idea that Lithium, a medication I was taking for my bipolar disorder, could lead to significant weight gain. My health took a turn for the worse, with my doctor warning me that I was bordering on diabetes. After switching to a different medication, the pounds started to drop off without any effort on my part. Having battled diets, exercise regimens, and even an obsession with healthy eating, this unexpected weight loss felt intoxicating.
I was also on a cocktail of other medications, some of which suppressed my appetite. I quickly discovered that by simply not eating, I could accelerate my weight loss. Initially, I would skip meals while my kids ate, opting for a drink instead. Soon, skipping breakfast and even dinner became routine. I managed to go 24 hours without eating, then 48, and sometimes even 72 hours. I learned just enough to avoid passing out, carefully monitoring my blood sugar levels.
No One Asked Questions
My rapid weight loss was astonishing; I lost over 13 pounds a month. By June 1st, I had halved my weight, dropping from 220 lbs to 110 lbs. I could fit into clothes from my college days and even my pre-baby outfits. However, despite the dramatic transformation, my body still bore the remnants of my pregnancies.
Around March, as I approached the 150-160 lb mark, the compliments flooded in. Friends would say, “You look amazing!” I would smile through gritted teeth, thinking, “If only you knew the truth.” I was aware that my eating habits were disordered, but I was indifferent to the implications.
No One Made Connections
I attempted to dye my hair, but it became brittle from a lack of nutrients and started falling out in clumps. Despite this, my mother’s friends praised my weight loss, and one even pondered if my hair loss was connected to my rapid weight drop. “Maybe,” I replied nonchalantly, even though hair loss is a common side effect of anorexia.
Everyone around me continued to compliment my appearance. When dining out, I opted for a salad and wouldn’t eat anything else for the day. My husband called my behavior “intermittent fasting,” claiming it was a trendy diet. This was all happening under the guise of a healthy lifestyle, but it was rooted in something far more dangerous.
Only One Person Expressed Concern
The only one who seemed to notice was my friend, Lisa. After seeing a picture of me in mid-May, she reached out and asked, “Are you okay? You’ve lost a lot of weight.” Her concern touched me, and I cried because someone had genuinely noticed my struggle. Later, my mother-in-law expressed worries, and when my bosses saw how dramatically my appearance had changed, they offered me time off. For once, someone was acknowledging the reality of my situation.
Eventually, I had to admit to my psychiatrist that my weight loss was not healthy. My male general practitioner congratulated me, but I interrupted him before he could finish.
My Weight Loss Was Labeled “Atypical Anorexia”
The term “atypical anorexia” is misleading; anorexia affects individuals regardless of their weight or age. Just as a person can maintain a healthy diet at size two, they can also starve themselves at size 2X. Both extremes deserve the same acknowledgment and treatment.
Cultural narratives in America often suggest that being overweight is a sign of moral failure, while being thin equates to self-discipline. When my weight loss became noticeable, I was viewed as a success story, despite the unhealthy methods behind it. Congratulations on my appearance masked the real health risks I faced.
If someone is losing weight, don’t assume it’s intentional. Instead of congratulating them, ask if they’re okay. The only appropriate response to significant weight loss is genuine concern.
I’m thankful to those who recognized my struggles and showed they cared. To the rest, I understand; societal perceptions have shaped your views. I urge you to reconsider your biases and think critically about how you respond to others.
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Summary:
This article explores the author’s dramatic weight loss journey, which was fueled by an eating disorder rather than healthy habits. While friends and family congratulated her on her appearance, few recognized the underlying health issues. The narrative highlights the societal pressures surrounding weight and the importance of approaching weight loss with care and concern, rather than praise. The author urges readers to reconsider their reactions to others’ weight changes and emphasizes the need for understanding and support.
Keyphrase: Atypical anorexia awareness
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