Boy should seek help for eating disorder

Dear Amy: I am a high school guy with a big problem – my weight. Until this year I was just a little overweight (my whole family is). But I have begun getting the urge to eat more and more. I am not under any stress. I get good grades and have a great family. I have a normal social life.

No matter how much I eat, I am never full. It’s not that I am hungry, but I just can’t seem to feel full.

My weight has ballooned. My clothes don’t fit, and my self-esteem has gone down.

I exercise intensely four days a week, but I keep putting on weight. I need help before I start having all the negative health effects of obesity.

Can’t Stop Eating

in Illinois

Dear Can’t Stop: You need to look at your situation a little differently. You don’t have a weight problem. You have an eating problem.

According to information provided by the National Eating Disorders Assn., about 10% of people suffering from eating disorders are male, but I have a feeling the percentage is higher because boys and men don’t tend to talk easily about eating and weight issues. You deserve credit for doing so.

Binge eating is complicated. You might have stresses in your life that you aren’t able to identify. Your compulsion to eat might also have a biological cause.

You sound like a smart and sensitive young man.

You are correct to worry about the health effects of obesity – now you need to try to identify and tackle your eating issues. First, talk to your most sympathetic family member, saying that you need professional help. Your physician should then see you for a thorough checkup. Check nationaleatingdisorders.org to learn more.

Dear Amy: “C” wrote in about a female colleague’s unshaven armpits.

She should just get over it. It angers me a little that there are always people trying to enforce the rules this patriarchal society has imposed on us.

A big hooray to all who have the guts to break out of social conventions!

Every time I get my “manhate” on, I am letting my armpit hair grow as a sign of rebellion!

Daniela

Dear Daniela: If you’re trying to keep guys away, bear in mind that armpit hair might not be the man repellent you expect. Some men (and women) might like it.

Send questions to Amy Dickinson by e-mail to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.