Ester Marsh column: What to do about eating disorder?

Monday, September 14, 2009 10:09 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

I had such overwhelming response to my column about eating disorders that I am doing a follow up column and try to answer one question about the majority of the responses I received.

Q: What is the next step?

A: This was the question asked the most from people dealing with an eating disorder and their loved ones who want to do what is best for them.

A person who deals with an eating disorder can be in denial for years. First, I am trying to give some feedback on how you could possibly help a loved one you suspect is having an eating disorder.

Your loved one might be open and ready to accept his or her problem but don't count on it. Try to find proof of what you suspect. What is giving you the idea that he or she has an eating disorder? Is it because you see them going to the bathroom after eating a meal and you hear them throw up? Are they going through laxatives like candy? Are they stepping on the scale numerous times a day? Do you feel they have an obsession with exercise for weight loss instead of exercising for health and well being?

If you have a strong feeling there is a problem, read as much as you can about eating disorders and talk to your doctor about what you should do and what steps to take next. You have to be careful if you are the one who discovers their secret that they don't turn their back on you and try to cut you out of their life. If it is a child or adult who lives with you, try to be there for them, and you might try making little remarks like:

- I notice you weigh yourself a lot. You are beautiful the way you are, and a healthy body comes in different shapes and sizes.

- Is the food not agreeing with you? I notice it makes you sick after you eat. Do I need to make an appointment with the doctor?

- You can really over-train and get hurt more easily if you keep exercising as much as you are right now, and if you get hurt you won't be able to exercise at all.

Let the person know that you are there for them. Let them know you notice.

If they don't come to you and talk about it and their behavior does not change at all, talk to the pediatrician or your general doctor on what steps to take next. It is so important that you get professional help and advice. People can die from an eating disorder.

For the ones who reached out to me and admitted that they are dealing with an eating disorder — you have made the biggest and most difficult step of a person dealing with an eating disorder: admitting that there is a problem. You are not alone and you should not continue to try to fix it by yourself. You have made the most difficult step already; your next step is to make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will guide you and help you on your way to recovery.

Make the appointment now and follow through with it. I promise you, you will finally see that light at the end of that very dark tunnel and YOU ARE WORTH it!Contact Ester Marsh with health and fitness questions at 704-636-0111 or emarsh@rowanymca.com.