Sudden weight loss: Is this normal?

I’ll post this here, but please move me to the right thread if I’m in the wrong place.
I’m 22, and this past month was easily the hardest stretch of my life. The anxiety was relentless—just constant, 24/7 nerves and agitation. My boyfriend and I went through hell just to stay together because we weren't supposed to be dating, but things have finally stabilized. Regardless, the toll it took on my body was massive. At 5'4", I dropped from about 115 pounds down to 100, and now I'm sitting at maybe 98. Even though the stress is gone, I can't force myself to eat. Food sounds revolting, and if I try to eat anything substantial, I end up throwing it back up. My parents don't get it; they’re threatening to drag me to a therapist or force me to eat, but this isn't some choice I'm making. In the beginning, I actually liked the weight loss since I've always wanted to be thinner, but now I'd stop in a heartbeat if I could. On top of the weight loss, I've noticed weird bruising on my arms and legs, and my hair is thinning out way too much. I was already pale, but now I look ghostly. Most concerningly, over the last few days, I've been losing sensation in my legs. It starts as a dull ache in my calves, then my knees buckle, and eventually, I lose feeling entirely for a while before it passes. Before I head to the doctor, can anyone tell me what might be happening? I'm worried.😢

You mentioned that larger portions feel overwhelming, but have you tried just nibbling on something small? Perhaps starting with liquids—maybe some broth or a fruit and veggie juice—just to get some essential nutrients back into your system? Or is your digestion completely stalled right now?

If I were in your shoes, I’d say there is definitely cause for concern here. You really ought to see a doctor as soon as possible—and honestly, I'd suggest heading straight to the ER.
When things reach the point where you're bruising easily, losing hair, and experiencing numbness in your legs, it's a clear sign that your body is starving for vitamins and minerals. It sounds like you're reaching a breaking point where basic functions are starting to fail.

It makes sense that your parents are worried. While I don't think hovering or making threats is the answer, if you haven't been able to eat for a month and can't seem to start, your health is truly at risk.

Thanks for the input. I tried eating, but even half a cup of yogurt triggers insane stomach cramps and nausea. Worst of all, I can barely keep liquids down; I’m forcing myself to drink maybe one glass of water a day, and sometimes a little Coke because it's the only thing that stays down. :/ At this point, I need to see a doctor. I would have gone already if I weren't such a coward and a total wimp about medical stuff.

You should get to a doctor as soon as possible and be completely honest about everything you’re experiencing; they really need the full picture to help you properly.

silentbadger23 said:Well, that's that then; I suppose I should head to the doctor. I would have gone much sooner if I weren't such a nervous wreck who lets anxiety get the better of me.

What exactly is it that you're afraid of?

silentbadger23 said:Thank you so much for getting back to me. I’ve attempted to eat—I'll try having half a fruit yogurt—and then the intense stomach pains and nausea just kick in. What’s truly the worst part? I can't even handle liquids normally; I'm lucky if I can force down a single glass of water in an entire day, though sometimes a little Coca-Cola is the only thing that stays down. :/ It seems I really have to see a doctor. Honestly, I would have gone already if I weren't such a stubborn person who is deathly afraid of medical stuff.

I went through the exact same thing during a particularly high-stress period in my life—in fact, it still happens to me occasionally even now. At first, it started just like yours, where food became completely unappealing... well, I somehow managed to scrape by without seeing a doctor and eventually started eating again once things settled down a bit. Then, two years later, stress hit me again, but this time it manifested as overeating followed by purging—bulimia, of course. It took me a full year before I finally sought treatment, which ultimately landed me in the hospital. My sincere advice to you is to see a physician as soon as possible. Everything in my system got thrown out of whack because of it; now, I struggle to lose any weight at all because my hormones are constantly acting up... The sooner you get treated, the better it will be for you.