Q&A for How to Convince an Anorexic to Start Eating

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  • Question
    What are signs that someone is anorexic?
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Certified Nutritionist & Licensed Counselor
    Mindy Lu is a Certified Nutritionist (CN), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and the Clinical Director of Sunrise Nutrition, a nutrition and therapy group practice in Seattle, Washington. Mindy specializes in eating disorders, body image concerns, and chronic dieting. She holds an MS in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology from Bastyr University. Mindy is a Licensed Counselor and Nutritionist and is known for her warm therapeutic style and culturally-inclusive lens in healing. She is a member of the Multicultural Counselors of Washington State and the Association for Size Diversity and Health.
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Certified Nutritionist & Licensed Counselor
    Expert Answer
    There are a few things to watch out for. People will usually stop eating in front of other people. They might start obsessing over food a lot. A lot of people think anorexia occurs only in people who are really thin or are in lower-weight bodies, but that's not true. Anorexia is something that occurs in people of all sizes. Rather than paying attention to the size and shape of somebody's body, it's more important to pay attention to their behavior.
  • Question
    How can I support my friend who is anorexic?
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Certified Nutritionist & Licensed Counselor
    Mindy Lu is a Certified Nutritionist (CN), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), and the Clinical Director of Sunrise Nutrition, a nutrition and therapy group practice in Seattle, Washington. Mindy specializes in eating disorders, body image concerns, and chronic dieting. She holds an MS in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology from Bastyr University. Mindy is a Licensed Counselor and Nutritionist and is known for her warm therapeutic style and culturally-inclusive lens in healing. She is a member of the Multicultural Counselors of Washington State and the Association for Size Diversity and Health.
    Mindy Lu, LMHC, CN
    Certified Nutritionist & Licensed Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Ask "What can I do to support you?" Sometimes that looks like sitting down and having a meal with that friend, or inviting that friend over for dinner, or just being there while they eat. One thing also is to remind the person that they are not their eating disorder. It's very easy for somebody to identify with their eating disorder, or have their eating disorder take over their lives. So doing things with that friend that literally has nothing to do with an eating disorder, like going to a museum, taking an art class, going horseback riding, etc can be really helpful.
  • Question
    My boyfriend won't eat a single crumb but will drink water. His stepmom and stepsister call him fat, ugly, and worthless. He thinks he's very fat. How can I help him?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    You should consider reading a few self-help books on anorexia to educate yourself about the condition and share them with your boyfriend. If he still cannot see that he has a problem, then consider seeking professional help from a therapist.
  • Question
    My sister has an eating disorder. She was inpatient for a while until she was let out for good behavior. When she got home, she started throwing up her lunch, taking laxatives, refused to eat anything at all. How can I help her?
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
    Paul Chernyak, LPC
    Licensed Professional Counselor
    Expert Answer
    You may want to try speaking with her directly to voice your concerns at first. Also, bring up your concerns to another family member, such as a parent, so that can help her go back for more professional help if needed.
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