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Should I be concerned?

I'm not sure whether I should be concerned; I may just be overreacting. But I recently learned that my best friend's girlfriend, who he has been dating for a few months, was battling anorexia a couple of years ago. Since then, I've noticed that even now she has a very strange diet. The only things she is willing to eat are bread and sugary foods like ice cream and cake, and she drinks only water. Very infrequently she will indulge in a sweet fruit such as strawberries. But she never eats meat (she claims to be a vegetarian, so I suppose that's normal) and she never eats vegetables or any grain products other than bread. I'm assuming that this is the reason that she apparently doesn't have a very strong immune system and gets out of breath very easily. Is this just some kind of childish "I don't want to eat my broccoli" thing, or should I be concerned, and if so how should I (or how should I recommend that my friend) go about helping her?
2 Responses
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514715 tn?1338266258
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
It can take years to recover from anorexia.  Being a vegetarian is common with anorexics.  In addition, the unusual eating behaviors do not point to recovery.  Recovery would involve eating 3 balanced meals a day with 2 snacks.  For you and your friend could earn more about eating disorders by visiting the bella vita website.  You could express your concerns with your friend and likewise he could speak with her directly to learn more about her treatment and recovery.  Best, Dr Patricia Pitts
Helpful - 0
712314 tn?1303098090
Anorexica is a very serious illness. Even though you say she had anorexica a few years ago, it sounds like she hasn't fully recovered yet. THe not eating meat thing is understandable as a choice. However not eating vegitables or fruit, and just eating junk, is serious. Is she underweight? Usually anorexics are so picky about what they eat if they eat at all, so this may be what your dealing with.
As far as getting help she has to want it. It won't work otherwise.
I myself and bulimic/anorexic, and i know i tried to get help before i was ready and failed. So it really has to be her choice, and she needs to be ready to do it. It is hard to sit by and watch someone your close with struggle, but there's not much else to do, other than be there for her to talk to, and incourage her to eat, and stay hydrated.
If you'd like to talk further, you can pm me anytime.
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