Help anyone?

[Jaseball]

Hi...um...i was looking for some advice to help my boyfriend.

Yesterday he asked me if he was fat, and i was really surprised, i told him he wasn't and we ended up getting into an argument over it, he left and i followed him and found him making himself sick in the school toilets. He confessed he'd been bulimic for about 4 years, and it started cause of his parents. I don't know how to help him and just really need any advice or help anyone has..

thanks:)

[rose50n]

soooo sorry for your boyfriend.  guys get ed's too, especially if they need to make weight for sports.  but just do what you have been, standing by him and listening.  He knows how to stop, but it sounds like he may have a food addiction.  I'm bulimic and in recovery.  its hard to suffer with him, but it isnt your fault, just his choice right now-remember you cant make him stop.  It will help your perspective in the long run.
take care

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear Jaseball,

Wow.  This realization must have taken you by surprise!  It is common for individuals with eating disorders to feel fat and be inconsolable.  Sounds like your boyfriend’s discomfort in his body made it unbearable to keep his food in.  It’s also very common for bulimics, of which 10% are male, to keep their binge purge behaviors secret.  Hopefully he is relieved that he got caught.  His confession could open the door for help, support and the knowledge that he is not alone.  Bulimia is not about the food; it is about his pain and issues.  Also, bulimia can be life threatening.  Let him know you care.  Support him to seek out professional help:  a medical doctor and a psychotherapist who specializes in bulimia would be best.  If he has insurance, he can call his insurance and ask for these eating disorder specialists.  He can go online to edreferral.com to find therapist referrals in his area.  You and he can also visit our website:  www.thebellavita.com to learn more about bulimia.

Best,

Dr. Pitts

Patricia Pitts, PhD
The Bella Vita
766 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90041
[phone]‎
thebellavita.com