I Think My Friend Has An Eating Disorder..

[LIVEWIRE]

I have suspicions that a friend from work may have a eating disorder and I am concerned.

The girl I am talking about is 24. I know she used to be a dancer..ballet, etc and she was already thin, but I have noticed in the last couple of months she looks at least 10- 15 lbs smaller. Even another co-worker commented to her that she looked a lot thinner. She is very shy and introverted, she hardly talks unless you talk to her first, but she is very sweet. I hardly ever see her eat anything....but her weight loss is what is concerning me most.

 

I also know there is a thing called exercise bulimia, and maybe it could be that. I did mention to her that is appeared that she had looked like she lost weight, but she said she thought she looked fatter. Is this a sign?

 

I am not familiar with eating disorders. Does anyone know someone who has/had one? I am not sure if I should say anything to her wihtout KNOWING for sure.

 

Thanks all.

[amaysngrace]

I did mention to her that is appeared that she had looked like she lost weight, but she said she thought she looked fatter. Is this a sign?

 

Yes that's definitely a sign. People with eating disorders have a warped body image. They think they look fat (mostly they "feel" fat) when the rest of the world calls them thin.

[MakeLemonade]

I agree, it sounds like she may have anorexia or something along those lines. It is hard to know what to do, it is really not your place to say something to a co-worker, but you say she is a friend so you may be able to.

 

Does she look emaciated? As in unhealthy-thin? If so, maybe do some searches for what other people have done in your situation - I know sometimes people write in to advice columns and on forums like this asking similar questions. It is a very sensitive subject and often times those with the disorder are VERY resistant to interference.

 

 

It's a tough call, sorry I don't have anything better to offer by way of advice. Do you know any of her family? Are they in the area? They may be the ones in a better position to say something to her and get her some help. Or maybe even her supervisor? I don't know, like I said, tough call.

[LIVEWIRE]

Thanks guys..I appreciate it.

I know her mom but don't see her very often. I would just feel

out of line, saying something, because what if she doesn't have one?

 

The only reason I think she probably does is the obvious weight loss,

and I know she is a very private introverted person who keeps to herself.

I doubt she would let on that anything was wrong. She is also very much into fashion, and what's "in". She reads a lot of fashion magazines. Maybe a sign that she is trying to emulate those "models?" Again I know it's speculation, but it's the only reason I can think of.

[amaysngrace]

Maybe a sign that she is trying to emulate those "models?" Again I know it's speculation, but it's the only reason I can think of.

 

Here is a confession: when I had an eating disorder I would hang up pics of models on mirrors. Not really the whole model but body parts. I wanted to have this ass or these abs, etc. And it would be my incentive to eat next to nothing and exercise like crazy.

 

How close are you guys? Would she value your opinion? Or would she be offended by it?

[LIVEWIRE]

Thanks Amays...

 

We get along pretty well. Like I said she doesn't talk very much, but she

is extremely sweet. She's like the kind of girl you would want your son to date. Sweet, pretty, polite, never argues, she has never missed a day of work (since I've known her over a year) and is always on time. I don't really know her outside of work, but she seems very family oriented.

 

I will see if she gets any thinner ..and if she does I will talk to her about it. Otherwise I will just observe.