Oh no! Is my friend anorexic?!

I think my friend might be anorexic. She only brings one piece of fruit for lunch every day. Sometimes, she doesn't even eat it.


My other friends and I tell her to eat more for lunch, but she just says she's fine or not hungry. Is eating only one thing for lunch a sign of her becoming anorexic?


Hey hon, your friend is so lucky to have a great gal like you watching out for her. But before you confront her, it’s important to find out as much as you can about anorexia, a potentially life-threatening health issue. Anorexia nervosa is when someone starves herself on purpose and is unable to maintain a healthy weight.


Is she really anorexic? 

A lot of factors help determine someone’s healthy weight—height, body type and fitness level. Some symptoms of anorexia include an intense fear of gaining weight, overexercising and restricting food or types of food. Your friend seems to be severely restricting what she lunches on, so her problem might be serious.

Talk it out

Get your girl one-on-one so you can talk it out alone. Don't corner her in a group where she might feel intimidated. Let her know you’re concerned about her health and you think she may have an eating disorder. Tell her that you care about her SO much and really want her to be the happiest and healthiest she can be.

Too much of something good can go VERY wrong

Eating a healthy diet and exercising are good, but there is some such thing as overdoing it. Believe me, my college roommates pulled me aside when they thought I was hitting the gym too much and not eating enough. They helped me before my health became a huge issue.


Remember, you’re her friend, not her doctor. You can’t force her to do anything. If she is still showing symptoms of anorexia, politely suggest she talk to her doctor or the school counselor. For more help, CLICK HERE. You’re doing the right thing. She may not thank you now, but she’ll appreciate your concern. Best of luck, girl.


Lots of love,
L’Oreal

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11/11/2009 7:00:00 AM
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