Mend Your Diet

Anorexia???

Hi I have a friend (male) and I am really worried about him, and think that he is either on the brink of suffering from anorexia, or is currently suffering from it. I have talked to him about his eating habits before, and it hasn't made any difference. I am going to try to talk to him about it tomorrow, has anyone got any ideas how I could help him (i.e what to say)? And also, just to check, what are the symptoms of anorexia? (I am pretty sure i have then right, but just to be sure) Any help is much appreciated!

Public Comments

1. Being antisocial because he is obsessed about what he eats(it sounds weird but someone suffering from anorexia actually does this, like they stop hanging out with friends etc) other than that, only eating fruit infront of people, eating very little, if he complains about heart problems, his eating disorder might be affecting his heart. weight loss, if they seem pale. Good luck though, i hope its not true
2. Anorexia is when a person starves them self. You should try taking him to lunch or diner. If he says "Oh I dont feel like eating" then theres a good indication that hes Anorexic. If you really worry about him then tell someone that will take care of the problem, if you let this go any farther he can die from this. Stop him before its to late. Good Luck =]
3. Unfortunately an eating disorder has roots far beyond that of not eating. Has your friend suffered a significant weight loss recently? What is his age? It is difficult because as eating disorders are becoming more well known for women through the media people still have a difficult time accepting the idea that men can suffer from this illness. I would watch for obsession with appearance/ weight, a preoccupation with food, obsession with exercise, bouts of binging/purging, and/or wierd eating habits. I recently came out of treatment and unfortunately until they want to get better or they hit bottom it will be very difficult for them to seek out help. Be there as a friend as much as possible. If it gets really bad I would bring it up to his parents, teacher/professor (depending on age), etc. Whatever you do, do not go it alone. Do not make it your responsibility as a friend to cure him or to save him. Good luck.
4. Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that your friend is struggling. All you can do is be there for him and voice your concern. Perhaps referring him to an eating disorders therapist might help, if he is willing to check it out. In terms of diagnostic criteria, DSM criteria for anorexia nervosa is as follows: -Refusal to maintain a body weight that is at or above the minimal normal weight for age and height (below 85% IBW) -Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat, even though the person is underweight -Denying the seriousness of having a low body weight, or having a distorted image of one's appearance or shape -In women who've started having periods, the absence of a period for at least three consecutive menstrual cycles In case you need it, here is a link to a eating disorders treatment finder: http://www.something-fishy.org/treatmentfinder/pmd_new/ Good luck to you!
5. If you want to learn more about anorexia, bulimia, or other eating disorders, you can view, http://www.westfrom.com it has about 135 links to pro-eating disorder websites and recovery... there is a LOT to read there, it may help.