Eating Disorders or Exercise: Which Is The Better Method for Losing Weight?

In part 1 of this two-part series on eating disorders, I showed how eating disorders could lead to faster marathon times.  In part 2, I'll answer the question "What's better for weight loss: eating disorders or exercise?"

There's no easy answer to this question, so let's look at the pros and cons.  We'll treat bulimia and anorexia, the two most popular eating disorders, separately.

Anorexia

Pros: You'll save a ton of money on your grocery bill.  Weight loss usually happens immediately.  You'll spend more time doing things instead of eating.

Cons: You're always hungry and lack energy.  Everyone will think you're a freak. You'll spend a fortune on counseling.  You could die.  You don't really look that good (think trailer park, tank top, Cops episode).

Bulimia

Pros: You can enjoy your favorite foods in massive quantities.  Constant vomiting strengthens core muscles.

Cons: Puke is disgusting.  You'll spend a fortune on food and cleaning supplies. You'll probably die a painful death from stomach acids burning a hole in your esophagus.

Exercise

Pros: It makes you healthy and strong.  You won't die a slow and painful death. You can actually do things.  Chicks dig strong guys. Guys dig strong chicks.

Cons: It takes a lot of time.  You'll sweat a lot.

Insanity was my exercise program of choice for 64 days.

Final Decision

After weighing the evidence, I'm going to side with exercise as the best option for weight loss.  In fact, you'd be better off having a butt so big it requires two extra plane tickets when you travel coach than you would utilizing an eating disorder as a weight loss strategy.

Below are my Insanity after pictures.  There are no before pictures. 

This is as close to anorexia as I'm getting.