cameron diazSo you've obviously heard of the disorder Anorexia, and I'm sure you've even (unfortunately) heard of the "disorder" Tanorexia. But have you heard about the new rexia in town? Have you heard of ... Liar-exia?

I'm sure you have, but just don't know it. Many actresses, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, and LeAnn Rimes, could be deemed Liar-exics. You actually may even know a few Liar-exics yourself.

Do you know what it is yet? Are you a Liar-exic?

Liar-exia is the disorder in which itty-bitty teeny-tiny women claim they eat soooo much -- and order soooo much when you're out to eat with them (appetizer, entree, dessert) -- when in reality, when they're alone, it's nothing but clear broth and a celery stick. Everybody knows one. Unless you're a workout fanatic or under the age of 18, it's simply not possible to pig out all the time and stay slim.

This brings me to a larger issue -- eating in front of other people, and how it changes our normal patterns. I personally always wind up consuming more when out to dinner with friends or family, as, well, it's kind of like party time! On only rare occasions do my husband and I order appetizers when out to dinner. And if we do, well, I can barely make it through half my meal. If we're with a group, though, I'll totally dig into an appetizer, and an entree, and maybe even dessert. And I'll feel completely sick afterwards. And I don't do it so "people think I eat," I do it because it's there.

I don't think this is the case with rail-thin celebrities, though. I whole-heartedly believe they're piling on the calories when in public and essentially starving themselves (or working out nine hours a day) when they're alone. And we can't totally blame them (aside from the completely warped message they're sending to young girls who think they can eat and eat and eat and stay slim like Gwynnie). It's kind of annoying when people are watching what you consume every waking moment. Some people naturally have small appetites -- and don't want to eat two plates of nachos. It doesn't mean they have an eating disorder. And, conversely, some people have big ones. Maybe they stay in shape from working out? Who knows? Who cares?

Whether this "disorder" will ever make it to the medical text books is beyond me. But I do like the option of adding "rexia" to any and all adjectives. Bitchorexia, Jerkorexia, Slutorexia. Really, the possibilities are endless ... orexia.

Do you know a Liar-exic?

 

Image via david_shankbone/Flickr