Dd is 17, has always been a normal weight, neither fat nor thin, but a very picky eater.
In the last few months though, she has visibly lost weight, and has started skipping meals, claiming she is not hungry. She routinely refuses to eat anything from lunchtime on on days she goes out in the evening, and won't eat at all while out, claiming it makes her 'bloated'. She is incredibly bad-tempered whilst starving herself but just won't eat, refusing to eat while out for the day with us eg shopping or visiting universities. If she does agree to get some food while out, she'll go for something small and then pick at it, thinking we won't notice. Sometimes, at home, she takes plates of carbs or healthier stuff up to her room and does (I think) eat it, so she's not starving herself full time. But enough that I'm worried.
I have zero experience of eating disorders and no idea what to do. I've spoken to her and said I'm worried but she gets angry and genuinely seems to think that eating no food at all in the afternoon or evening when she's going out later is entirely normal. She genuinely seems to think that skipping all meals while out all day for a long day is entirely normal.
I've always been an average weight and not bothered by my weight or anyone's weight at all, so have no experience to fall back on. What is the best thing for me to do here?
She's hoping to go to uni in a few months, so I am also worried about how she's going to cope with all the stresses of being away from home without eating or family support. Right now, she's obviously pretty stressed by A Levels.
Thanks for all suggestions.
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Think I know the answer, but does dd have an eating disorder? And if so, what should I do?
8 replies
qween · 30/01/2018 23:01
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