Eating Disorder?

Question

How do I know if my friend has an eating disorder? Also, if I suspect it, how should I talk to her without offending her? Thanks!

Answer 1

Most likely if your friend is overweight she has an eating disorder- even if the only disorder is that she dont burn enough of the calories she takes in.

Answer 2

Observe your friends actions. Is she loosing weight, or gaining weight? Is she not eating, is she eating alot? Is she secretive about eating and doesn't eat infront of people? All of those things are clues. She could have either a binge eating disorder where she just keeps eating, or she could excercise excesively which is also a disorder, or she could have bulimia which is characterized by binging and then purging, or she could have anorexia where she eats nothing and might also exercise alot. Offcourse there is always a possibility that she has a combination of two of them. If she has binge eating disorder, then she is probably gaining weight quickly. The major symptom is eating huge quantities of food and calories. If she has it, she probably doesn't even know she has it herself because it is very common in Americans and not very identifyable. If she has bulimia, you would probably want to try to catch her barfing or something, so accompany her to the bathroom so that she wont. Bulimics often have fluctuations in weight and eat alot. Usually, bulimics binge and purge in secret.
If your friend is anorexic, she probably doesn't eat much at all. If you notice her getting thiner, that is a sign that she probably has anorexia. Anorexics often think they are fat when they are not, and fear becoming fat. If she is missing her period,(assuming your friend is a she) that is also a sign of anorexia. Excercising excesively is usually a syptom of both anorexia and bulimia but it can be an eating disorder on it's own. If she excercizes nonstop, she probably has bulimia or anorexia. Excersizing excesivelly is also not a very recognizable disorder because it is common and if she has it, she probably doesn't know it.

Some people have a combination of two eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. That means that she would binge and purge sometimes and at other times not eat at all.

Good luck helping your friend. I wish I could help you more with the psycological aspect of your problem but I am not very good at that part.All I know is that if she has an eating disorder, you need to help her get help. Eating disorders are very dangerous. Don't worry your friend will probably recover very well if you get her help. Good luck. :)

Answer 3

we need more details then that hon......

but if you do suggest she has one, it is a very touchy subject, and unfortunately, most sufferers are in denial. The best way for you to go about it is to be very non abrassive and just let her know that you are there for her if you need her. Another thing you can do, and i only suggest this because eating disorders can kill you, is that you talk to a councellor and see what they suggest as far as getting through to her.

ive been there. and in a way it never goes away, but im glad that the weight is not an obsession anymore, but i wish i had had friend like you that gave a damn. so do what you think is the right thing. she will only have you to thank when she gets better.

Answer 4

One on One /Ask her to come clean. Are you eating or not..>I care and show reasons why it is not healthy not to eat. Assure your friend you can keep the secret. If it gets out of hand let her know she can come to you. You want her to live a long time and if she needs counselors you will be the first one to hold her hand through this ordeal. It is a reason she sees herself as too fat.
What would be wrong if she was fat? Like a fear of being fat or some dress or event she wants to shine in. Be gentle and truthful you are a true friend. I hope this was a help. You Girls take care.

Answer 5

There are 2 kinds of eating disorders. in a nutshell, Anorexia is a fear of gaining weight. the person is not aware that she/he has a problem.She usually dresses in loose clothes to "hide" the perceived excess weight. Exercises uncontrollably. Does not eat much.; Bulimics, on the other hand, are aware that they have a problem. do not starve themselves, but usually induce vomiting after eating. Thau usually have bad breath and wounds on the knuckles, due to inserting their hand in the mouth to induce vomiting.... you could start talking to your friend by first, reassuring her that you care for her well-being. Then ask her if she wants to be helped.

Answer 6

well, sometimes girls who have bulimia may have discoloration on their teeth and when it gets really bad they grow fuzzy hair all over their bodies to make up for the lack of insulation. as far as anorexia, girls feel control over their lives when they dont eat. also, sometimes girls think thats simply a lifestyle choice and that they choose not to eat much to maintain a look and lifestyle.
as far as approaching her, i would just choose a moment where its just the two of you in a comfortable situation ( her house, your house, etc.) and say, "hey, i have something to talk with you about, and it comes from the fact that i love you. i have been feeling recently something different about you, and i was wondering if you are having issues with eating or your body."
i hope that helps. i know its what i would do.
also, maybe alerting family would help. i wouldnt tell other friends unless youre sure they wont make it into a public drama.

Answer 7

It sounds like you're concerned about her. Well,you could get a group of her friends and family together and have an intervention. Tell her you are worried about her and you want her to see a docter. Sure,she's going to be mad,but she knows deep down in side you are helping her.

Answer 8

if she tells you she has one. then you know. if not then don't worry about it. she doesn't think enough of you to tell you her problems.