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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Daughter Dieting And Lost Weight. Scared To Eat. Blood Test Showed White Blood Cells. 0.9. Concerned?

My 15 year old daughter began dieting in January. She is 5 ft. tall and weighed 115 lbs. She ate well at first and was losing slowly but over the last 2 months seems to be going overboard. She has dropped to 93 lbs. now and seems scared to death to eat. I took her to the doctor and the only thing that showed up on her bloodwork was that her white blood cells were 0.9. We have had two repeat blood work done and the results remain the same. Her doctor does not seem to be concerned. I am very worried about her. Am I overreacting?
Tue, 14 May 2013
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Pediatrician, Critical Care ,  's  Response
Thanks for posting your query here.

I am concerned about her weight loss and feel she may be suffering from anorexia nervosa.

Considering her age, she may be feeling that she is overweight and hence she needs to diet further. This is termed medically as 'altered self-image'. Some of the girls suffering from anorexia nervosa diet to the extent that their body weight goes down to half and have many other associated medical problems.

You have not mentioned about her diet, whether she induces vomiting, her activity levels etc.

I would discuss with her in details about:
1. Why she is still dieting despite losing weight?
2. What made her to start dieting?
3. Are any of her friends also doing same?
4. Does she still consider her to be overweight?

If you are worried, you may suggest your GP or Pediatrician to get an appointment with Child Psychologist or Psychiatrist.

Hope things settle down quickly.

Regards
Dr Tejas Shah
Pediatrician
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Daughter Dieting And Lost Weight. Scared To Eat. Blood Test Showed White Blood Cells. 0.9. Concerned?

Thanks for posting your query here. I am concerned about her weight loss and feel she may be suffering from anorexia nervosa. Considering her age, she may be feeling that she is overweight and hence she needs to diet further. This is termed medically as altered self-image . Some of the girls suffering from anorexia nervosa diet to the extent that their body weight goes down to half and have many other associated medical problems. You have not mentioned about her diet, whether she induces vomiting, her activity levels etc. I would discuss with her in details about: 1. Why she is still dieting despite losing weight? 2. What made her to start dieting? 3. Are any of her friends also doing same? 4. Does she still consider her to be overweight? If you are worried, you may suggest your GP or Pediatrician to get an appointment with Child Psychologist or Psychiatrist. Hope things settle down quickly. Regards Dr Tejas Shah Pediatrician