Thank you for writing in regarding your concerns about your health. I am glad to hear that you are worried that your health - both physical and psychological - may suffer as a result of your current behaviors.


The reality is that if you continue the behaviors you describe you are likely to seriously harm yourself. Eating disorders are quite serious and can have a more devastating impact on your health than many other disorders.


I would strongly encourage you to work with your primary care physician or another medical provider with a specialty in eating disorders to ensure that you are currently healthy. Equally important will be to find a licensed mental health provider who has a specialty in eating disorders to help you work through your drive to have a "flatter stomach" and to help you determine what other factors are contributing to your current symptoms - including your feelings of depression and alcohol use.

I wish you well and hope that you are able to get the assistance you need so that you can live a healthy and satisfying life.

Best wishes,

-Dr. Selby