Around Halloween, I found myself weighing roughly 220 lbs and wearing size 2x clothing. I had no idea that Lithium, a medication I took for my bipolar disorder, could lead to weight gain. Unfortunately, my health had taken a downturn—I was on the brink of diabetes, and my skin was breaking out uncontrollably. After discussing my concerns, my doctor switched me to a different medication, and I began to lose weight rapidly. This wasn’t a result of hard work; the pounds seemed to just fall off. After years of failed diets, exercise attempts, and even an obsession with healthy eating, this sudden change felt intoxicating.
Along with the new medication, I was taking several others that suppressed my appetite. It didn’t take long for me to realize that by simply not eating, my weight loss became even more pronounced. I started skipping meals, opting for drinks instead of food when my kids had lunch and coffee instead of breakfast. Eventually, I found ways to avoid dinner altogether. I could go a full day without eating, then stretch it to two, sometimes even three days. I was careful enough to eat just enough to avoid fainting, being acutely aware of my blood sugar levels.
The Praise Kept Coming
As my weight dropped dramatically—over 13 ½ lbs each month—friends began to compliment me. “You look amazing!” they exclaimed. Every time I smiled, I thought, if only you knew the cost of my transformation. I was aware that my eating habits were incredibly unhealthy, but at that point, I didn’t care. I simply accepted the compliments, feeling like I was living in a surreal bubble.
As I continued to lose weight and reach sizes I hadn’t seen in years, the comments only intensified. “You look so good!” people would say, unaware of the truth behind my drastic weight loss. My hair began falling out due to nutritional deficiencies, yet nobody seemed to make the connection. They praised my appearance while I struggled in silence.
A Rare Concern
Only one friend, Mia, noticed the change and reached out to me. After seeing a photo of me in mid-May, she asked, “Are you okay? You’ve lost quite a bit of weight.” Her concern caught me off guard; it was a stark contrast to the endless compliments I had received. I brushed it off, but deep down, I felt a wave of relief that someone had truly seen me.
Eventually, my psychiatrist and even my husband commented on my weight loss, labeling it as “intermittent fasting.” I had to come clean about what was really happening, but I often felt like my concerns were dismissed.
Understanding Atypical Anorexia
My experience led to a diagnosis of “atypical anorexia,” a term that feels like an oxymoron. Regardless of age or size, anorexia is still anorexia. Both slender teens and larger individuals can struggle with disordered eating, and the health risks they face are equally severe. Society often glamorizes weight loss while stigmatizing those who are heavier, perpetuating harmful myths.
In my case, the rapid weight loss was seen as a success, reinforcing the idea that thinness equals virtue. Yet, this perception obscured the reality of my health struggles. It’s essential to approach conversations about weight with caution. Instead of commenting on someone’s appearance, asking if they are okay is far more appropriate.
A Call for Compassion
Dramatic weight loss can often mask underlying health issues. If you notice someone losing weight rapidly, question whether it’s intentional. A simple, “I’m happy for you if you’re healthy” is far better than congratulating them on their appearance. We must dismantle fatphobia and recognize that our perspectives can significantly impact others’ lives.
I am thankful for those who recognized my struggles and offered genuine concern. It’s time for all of us to rethink our societal views on weight and health.
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Summary
This article explores the author’s experience with rapid weight loss and the resulting misconceptions surrounding it. Despite receiving compliments and praise, the author struggled with disordered eating patterns and faced significant health risks. The piece emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding when discussing weight loss, advocating for the need to question the motivations behind such changes rather than simply congratulating individuals on their appearance.