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Anorexia, Bulimia & Binge Eating (Expert Forum)
Should I be concerned?
Answered by
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles - CA
Questions in the Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating Forum are being answered by Dr. Patricia Pitts, PhD, a Clinical Psychologist from The Bella Vita Program - CA.
Should I be concerned?
by friendlyconcern, Apr 30, 2009 07:44PM
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?
Doctor's Answer
by Patricia Pitts, PhD, May 16, 2009 01:53PM
, May 16, 2009 01:53PMTo: friendlyconcern
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
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.