Can Adults Randomly Develop Anorexia

by Sarah
(Vergennes, Vermont)

Can adults randomly develop anorexia? I'm reading a lot of anorexia information, but it's mostly about teens.

What if a person only eat once every 2 or 3 days, says she hates food, and only eats to stop hunger pains when it's unbearable? She only weighs 98 pounds.

She can't get professional help because she doesn't have medical insurance.

Can you tell me if you think she might have an eating disorder, and what can I do to help her?

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ADMIN NOTE:

I personally don't believe that the development of anorexia can be "random". Granted, I'm certainly no doctor or psychologist, but I know for sure that eating disorders are extremely complex and involve much more than just food refusal or restriction.

For that reason, anorexia tends to develop over time, and is not often a random decision to eat, or not eat. One of my doctors believes that once family members and friends actually start to notice that there may a problem, the sufferer is already fairly deeply entrenched in their anorexia (or other eating disorder).

Obviously, professional eating disorder treatment is best, but not being able to afford it is a common and very sad problem.

I think the best thing you can do is try to avoid being the "food police" in terms of how much she does - or does not - eat. The general idea is that friends and family members should not engage in food battles with the sufferer. It only adds to the stress.

Definitely let her know that you care, and you are there to help her in any way that you can.

If she shares any feelings or fears with you -- just listen, and don't judge her.

If she deeply trusts you, she *may* come around to the point where she will be receptive to you making certain (gentle) suggestions about her diet. This is an extremely delicate situation though, and it can take a LONG time to get to this point, so be careful. If you try this, and she gets angry, back off. It means she isn't ready, and pushing the issue will only make it worse.

I hope that gives helps, even just a little ...

Keep in touch :)

Michelle