Hi, I'm new to this message board. So I really don't know what to say. But, I'll give it a try.

My name is Kathryn. I am 16 yrs old. I am 5'11 and I weigh 110lbs. I love to dance and do gymnastics. I am also a swimmer, a runner and a cheerleader. I'm also into modeling.

In everything that I do..I am always constanlty pressured to be thin. Everyone always says "Wow..u are soo skinny..." or "You are too skinny.." But, I don't see it that way. I don't think I am fat or anything...but, I avoid food so that I am skinner than my competitors. I feel that by being skinner...it gives me a sort of an "edge" over them.

I battle food everyday. I usually only eat one salad or one fruit salad a day. Every night I go the the gym and dance or practice gymnastics...so I tell my parents I eat out or with a friend. That way, they never have a chance to see me eat..that way, they won't expect anything. Everyone in my family is rather thin anyways...so they've never noticed anything. I can't tell them...b/c I think they would be disappointed in me.

I don't know what to do. I have no where to turn. Please, anything you can do will help me greatly. Thank you so much. I'm sorry for wasting your time. Always, Kat

Hi, Kathryn. Welcome to the boards! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

I’m so sorry to hear that you are struggling so much. I do hope that you give yourself a break from all of the sports and such that you do as everyone needs some time to relax in their lives as well.

I understand that you believe that your parents would be disappointed in you if you told them of this problem with food you had. Please try to understand, however, that your parents would only be proud of you if (when?) you decide to tell them. Even if they don’t know a thing about eating disorders, they will still be proud of you for trusting them enough to be able to talk to them about this. I know it’s difficult – believe me! There are many people out there that feel the way that you do, but sooner or later your parents are going to find out anyway. Why? Because the longer you keep this a secret, and not confide in anyone, the more extreme this problem will become. Soon, it will become too difficult to hide, Kathryn... I just hope you are aware of that.

You certainly do a lot of activities – and by the sounds of it you are enjoying them! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif Just keep in mind that in order for you to have the energy to continue with all of these sports, et cetera, you will have to give your body the fuel it desperately requires. Eating one salad a day is by far not enough – but I think you must already realise that.

Take a break once in a while, Kathryn. You’ll wear yourself out with all of the activities you do – and the little amounts you eat. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif

I know it’s difficult, but Cat (who you may meet soon) always tells us to think of food as fuel for your body... because your body can’t run without it. I think that you really aught to try to think about it like that too. Don’t see food as the enemy; see it as a necessity to live.

And you are NOT wasting anyone’s time! These boards are here for support, so if you need it, just ask! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Good luck, and I’m sorry I couldn’t actually be of any real help. Please remember that there are many people here that know exactly what you are going through though, and remember that we will all be here for you when you need it!

Ashlee