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age
41-50,
anonymous
writes: My friend is in her mid 20's and she has lost a lot of weight within a few months. She says that guys give her attention that she never got before when she was heavier. Guys that rejected her in the past are now asking her out, but she just likes turning them down because they rejected her. Her attitude has changed and she doesn't seem happy anymore- sort of depressed, but she likes the attention from the guys. I'm happy for her if she is happier, but she doesn't seem to be. She seems so fragile now, withdrawn, and sad- she used to be so energetic and full of life. When we go out to eat, she'll eat a little bit and then push around the rest of her food or say that it tastes bad or there is something wrong with it. It seems like because of all the male attention she gets, she thinks she has to stay thin or else they won't like her. I have tried talking to her about her weight loss, but she just brushed it off. She did admit that her cousin said she was skinny, but then my friend changed the topic. Does she have an eating disorder or is there something going on with her? (Or am I just overreacting?) It just hurts to see a friend go through this...
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female
reader, visione  +, writes (4 February 2010):
 Well when you cut down on the amount of food you intake, of course you will start to lack energy. This lack of energy then lowers your mood. But you keep up with it because of irrational thoughts (guys will only like me if I'm skinny) and self-image issues... it's a vicious cycle.
It's hard to spot eating disorders because most people who have it will try to hide it. Just keep an eye on her - do you think that she looks unhealthy? Voice your concerns to her, and tell her you'll be there to support her if she needs it. The last thing you want to do is make a big deal out of nothing (if it is nothing) but you also don't want to wait to long in case it is a real problem.
If you are on campus you should visit the health clinic and talk to someone there about it, and explain to them you are worried for your friend. They can't force her to go visit or anything, but I'm sure they have valuable information about how to handle situations like this.
A
male
reader, Griffo  +, writes (4 February 2010):
 It's really hard to tell withought really being there. All I can say is to support her if she's your friend.
If it gets really bad like she starts to go too gaunty, then that's when you should start to worry and start to look for some kind of help.
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A
female
reader, junebug81409 +, writes (4 February 2010):
She has a problem.its good that you noticed but im not professional so i cant say excatly whats wrong and what to say to her.i think u and your guys best friends should get some pamlets about eating disorders and have like a intervention with her.its whats i had to do with one of my freinds but everyone is different so maybe just being there for her and go to the doctors with her.anything she needs just try and help.good luck
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