Help for a colleague...

ExerciseGeek
ExerciseGeek Posts: 183 Member
edited September 2024 in Motivation and Support
:smile: Hi all,

I need some advice on how to adress a issue with a colleague who I have known for.... 2days:huh: !!!
I started placement yesterday and I noticed people saying to her 'you've lost weight'... and she was saying 'no not really, I want to be skinnyyy etc' shes around a british size 14, curvy lady anyway:smile: !

She was complaining of having a headache yesterday and was really really sleepy, I was concerned for her, today she started talking about only having 3 cherry tomatos for breakfast:grumble: !!!!! I had to say something, I said 'you've seriously only had that for your breakfast and your working all day'... she said yes I want to be skinny, she said look what ive got to eat today and she handed me a bag, it had oranges in and a can of big soup which she said she was having as her evening meal at 6pm.

I was so shocked, I tallyed calories in my head and told her eating 400/500 calories is less than a child, and that she will damage her body:noway: . I said she could still eat propperly and lose weight, she looked like she didnt really listen and I could tell she was jut going to basically starve her body, it shocked me so much. I really want to help her without coming across like I think I know everything about diet and exercise, because im no one likes a arrogant student:sad: , but I dont want her damaging her body!!!

How can I explain this is not the way to do it!!!

Please help, Thanks:smile: !

xxx

Replies

  • tmarie1213
    tmarie1213 Posts: 43 Member
    That's a tough one, especially when you don't really know the person! Without putting any strain on your pocketbook, maybe pack 1 snack item in your lunch and offer it to her or offer to go out to drinks/a meal with her and see if she bites at those offers?

    P.S. All those faces you make throughout your post... love them! :laugh:
  • _Tristan_
    _Tristan_ Posts: 221 Member
    Would you feel comfortable explaining how under eating is just as damaging as overeating? If not then maybe send her to a web site that would explain it.

    Otherwise, why not invite her to MFP? Tell her that's what you do and that's how you maintain...

    Good luck!!!
  • emsibun
    emsibun Posts: 208
    Keep an eye on it: My bet is it won't last longer than a few days before she at least stops if not has to take time off work because she falls ill.

    Some people do this for attention: She's a UK size 14 (normal) so it must be a new thing for her probably prompted by magazine headlines about 'summer ready bodies'. Ignore it/watch and wait.

    If it continues for longer than say 2 weeks with no breaks you'd be right to say something to her manager or even better your occupational health officer if there is one.
  • electricnarwhal
    electricnarwhal Posts: 95
    You should recommend this place to her. :flowerforyou:
  • peacestar84
    peacestar84 Posts: 100
    Unfortunately when you don't know the person, you have to step back and let them make their own choices. If she wants advice be there for her, but other than that you'll just have the uncomfortable situation of knowing she practices disordered eating.
  • GemmieNoWobbles
    GemmieNoWobbles Posts: 398 Member
    Erm... maybe tell her about this web-site so she can figure it out herself??

    I have a similar problem, a friend of mine is getting married and she wants to slim down for the big day... she doesnt exercise, she eats biscuits but has bought a slendertone (one of those electrical pulse machines)... that aint gonna work... you got to get rid of the fat love.... :grumble: but she thinks this will work.. how can you say, erm, no I dont think so - why not try exercising and eating less?? :noway: but not less like your colleague.
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