I think friend has eating disorder! Help!

Psychgrrl

Unfortunately, I agree she needs professional help. I don't think anything we say and that you could share will help her.

I will also add that while your friend doesn't seem to be at a healthy weight and therefore weight loss (in a healthy fashion) could be a good goal for her, the going overboard/extreme dieting behaviors she is exhibiting may actually have another cause other than low self-esteem/appearance issues.

For some folks, behaviors like these, something that shows they can control something in their lives, are things they go full-speed on because they feel other things in their lives are so out of control. Could be anything, or nothing. I have known lots of folks where the restriction of food was initially a symptom of another disease (problem/stressor). Then, sadly, it takes on a life of its own. And it's not until that part is dealt with that they really were free to ease up on the crazy food restriction and find their way back to health. Unfortunately, the eating disorder/food restriction is what usually is the focus when someone is not seeking professional help, so any underlying issues do not get the attention they deserve. And understandably so--making sure someone doesn't collapse (or die) from lack of food is obviously a priority.

So, just being a good friend to listen and support (not fix, because you really can't--no matter how much you care) may help her. Be in tune with other problems/struggles she mentions and maybe nudge her towards resources to resolve those. Solutions in other parts of her life might help her not feel the need to live in crazy dietland.

witcherkar

I just wanted to say thank you everyone for the advice!! Right now im just going to let it go and hope she cant stick to it more than a few days...

jennifer_417

I wouldn't be super quick to say she has an eating disorder. What she does have is a poor plan that will make her miserable
Chances are she won't be able to sustain the plan that she had and she'll start eating more on her own.