Why is skinny an eating disorder but fat is not?

Actually, in some cases is considered an eating disorder (don't know the technical name) But in the majority of the cases, the problem tends to be hormonal. I've known several people who are overweight, even though they don't eat all that much (hell.. i eat a whole chicken if i feel like it and i'm about 140 pounds and 6"3... sorry... i use metric system... hope this is good). Even though these particular people are accompanied by a nutrition specialist, they don't lose much weight because their glands aren't working properly... so there... that's why you don't usually hear about eating disorder when someone is fat.

over weight people has eating disorder too. i don't know what it is called but being over weight is also considered one form of sickness... i had a friend when i was in high school who was not over weight. he was just normal but he got sick and had to go a major operation in his kidney. after the operation, we noticed that he was gaining weight so fast. he said it was because of his diabetes and some sort of ailments he had in his body. i felt pity on him because he was not eating a lot. he was still the same but his body changed and made him fat.

You're totally right, one is as dangerous as the other, but while anorexia and bulimia are qualified as "eating disorders", obesity is considered a disease, which does make it sound worse.

I believe excessiveness in either direction technically is considered an eating disorder. Being too skinny and not eating, trying to keep thin or get thinner is anorexia. I think that our society accepts too skinny way before they accept too fat but for the most part either one can be a problem happening mentally. Personally I think there is a lot more going on mentally with most anorexics then there are obese people. I can speak for myself in saying that while I'd love to have the perfect body, all tight and svelt I am quite happy with being me. I know I'm fat but I also accept that this is part of who I am. I know I can change it if I truly want to, but I'm not so sure most of the time I really do want to because I love food, love cooking, love feeding others. So in part, it is a bit of a disorder on my part too (food addiction) but I don't think nearly as severe as someone who is too thin and literally dying of starvation. I'm sure there are those out there that will disagree.. but that's just my opinion.

That is a very good point and I never thought of that before . Over the years I have had people comment on if something was wrong with my because I was so small . The truth is I am small because I don't have a very big appitite and never did but I am not anorexic or anything like that . Whereas someone who is overweight is just considered that ... overweight .