Do You Have an Eating Disorder? If You Are a Dedicated Bodybuilder, Some Shrinks Thin

[dragonmona]

If this is what you believe, then it doesn't sound like you are described by ED, BT at all.

LOL

Believe me....keeping balance is a constant struggle. I just try to think ahead and if I know there is a possiblity of missing a meal I make sure I stop and get enough protien bars, or what ever, to cover the situation.

I go so far as to cook all the food for the week on Sunday and freeze it. Then I have somewhat less of a chore each night preparing for each day. That does limit my Sunday excursions, and I have been known to do the cooking on Monday instead, but anything worth while requires a bit of sacrifice.

dm

 

[MS]

Full credit to Wilson6 for a concise and accurate summation.

I will just add that I've seen 'normal' people develop eating disorders as a RESULT of adhering to a strict BB diet and getting down to unhealthy levels of leanness. In these cases I have no trouble saying that the lifestyle caused the disorder rather than the other way around. But I think this is biochemical in origin (disturbances in leptin, neurotransmitters, gonadol steroids etc...) and it usually resolves itself with time.

Also, a certain level of compulsiveness may be what separates top notch BBs from the rest (genetics and drugs aside). It does take a lot of discipline to get to the top and stay at the top in any profession, and mild obsession and compulsion may be helpful. Like circusgirl pointed out, it's only a disease when it interferes with the rest of your life. How many of you have lost friends and partners because of your unwillingness to compromise on your BB lifestyle??? How many of you have imported illegal substances, or taken drugs that you know carry a significant health risk just to lose fat when you were not even overweight to begin with?? It's not just about eating disorders-that's just the tip of the iceberg. It's easy to be smug and say "I don't have a problem, it's the rest of the obese world that has the problem". But a quick tour of the diet discussion board should convince you that there's a lot of BBs out there that have serious issues with food, drink and nutrition which I could only describe as 'obsessive'.

 

[rez]

at least BB's actually DO something about our imperfections or insecurities.
Most people I know that arent happy with theyre bodies just COMPLAIN!

 

[trial0rzgrl]

Anything can be taken to the extreme... the bb diet is great and mostly healthy if not abused.. i do know for a fact it can go over board...

i am speaking as i am recovering from the usual eating disorders.. and i see my boyfriend is as crazy about eating as i was about not eating.. after realizing how much of life i was missing i find its so sad to see him like that... we are both working on it...

im not saying all bb have an eating disorder, but i can see how eaily it can happen... dont get me wrong.. i think its a great way to live.. but its easy for a way of life to take over your life!

 

[evilqueen]

What's wrong with being obsessive?

Who decides whether "obsessive" is, in fact, undesirable?

Some of the most interesting people I know are obsessed with one thing or another.

Unless you're anorexic--which is a slow form of suicide--there's nothing wrong with being obsessive about training and diet.

Who cares what the Haaaaa-vahd boys think?

 

[crazyfit1]

Funny that I came across this post. My husband and I were just walking around in a mall and walked into a candy/sweets store. When approached by the saleperson, we just told her "we are just looking, we won't be buying anything.". She asked, "why?". I told her that my husband and I were on a diet, but mainly him as he had a show to prepare for and couldn't eat anything in the store. She then replied, "Oh, he's like anorexic, huh?". I was shocked at her comment. She then continued to say, "Well, you know how anorexics see themselves as fat when they are skinny...well, your husband sees himself fat when he is actually in great shape". I have to admit that we did sit and think about that comment for a while as it kinda did make some sense. But then we quickly realized she was wrong, walked out of the store, and continued our "normal" routine. I have to add that my husband won both his division in the show and also took home an overall trophy so.........

I am debating on whether or not to walk into the store again with the first place trophies...hahahaha!! jk.. damn people!

 

[Arioch]

Who decides whether "obsessive" is, in fact, undesirable?

This is usually decided by people who lack focus, drive, and direction. They never really acomplish much either, usually because they are obsessing over what everyone else is doing.

 

[smoknjilly]

wow, a good question.

I think the "disorder" part could come into play..if you will never ever stray from your strict diet and training for anyone or anything...and you are NOT competing in some way.

That is just my opinion.

 

[Arioch]

Good. So this makes my nine years in between competitions where I still absolutely could not stand to miss a workout an extended period of contemplation.


I was beginning to worry.

 

[smoknjilly]

if you cannot skip one day...or half a day...or one meal...or even a Bite...EVER

for a wedding, funeral....crisis..etc.

that is a disorder in my opinion.

hey now, I don't like to skip workouts either!