I am a 44 year old female. I have been consuming about 500 calories or less a day
For a few months. My current weight is at 85 lbs. I don't see a problem with this
But my family is becoming concerned and seems to think I have an eating disorder.
Will this effect my health any time soon? I was treated last year for depression. I
Still have slight depression at times. Because of insurance issues I was unable to get
Fully treated. Can an adult become anorexic?

Yes, an adult can become anorexic. Your weight concerns me as well.

Your body is starving for food... calories. If you don't feed it well enough it begins to consume your organs, particularly your heart. People with anorexia die a long, slow torturous death when their heart finally gives out.

Are you obsessed with food but don't eat?

Yes, adults can definitely become anorexic. In fact, in Ireland, one of the biggest groups of anorexics are adult women who have finished having babies.

85lb is way too little. If you don't see a problem with this, you are definitely anorexic. You must seek help. Anorexia has a frighteningly high death rate.

If you won't do it for yourself, think of your family.

Yes, and it sounds like you have anorexia. Your calorie intake and your weight are alarming. Why do you restrict your calories?

Yes, and it sounds like you have anorexia. Your calorie intake and your weight are alarming. Why do you restrict your calories?

I guess know it has just become a way of life limiting the calories. Once I it 85 lbs. now I feel like I need to become 80lbs. My daughter who is 23
Says I look like a skeleton but when I look in the mirror I'm not seeing
What she is seeing.

I guess know it has just become a way of life limiting the calories. Once i it 85 lbs. now i feel like I need to become 80lbs. My daughter who is 23
says I look like a skeleton but when I look in the mirror I'm not seeing
what she is seeing.

If this is the case then you absolutely have anorexia! It is a medical condition and nothing to be ashamed of... BUT if you want to live you need help. More help than we can actually give here. We can support you, but we cannot treat you.

How would you feel if your daughter ate and looked the way you do?

What would you tell your daughter if she looked like this?

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:Zoo_usViIYW81M:http://literaryaddict.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/bulimia-anorexia.jpg

J9 and the other experts are right. You have anorexia and you need help fast. Please go to your doctor or ER soon!

85 pounds sound like a low weight. Depression and eating disorders can go hand in hand. You need to find a doctor who specialized in eating disorders. Call your local hospital, preferrable a big city hospital with more resources, they should be able to steer you in the right direction. It sounds like you have family support so that will also be helpful. Also, with such a low weight and low calorie intake you should not be exercising.