Don’t try to solve the person’s problem on your own.
Learn everything you can about eating disorders.
Point out signs/symptoms you’ve noticed that have caused you to be concerned.
Encourage person to get professional help as soon as possible and inform them of resources available on and off campus (contact the Counseling Center for more information).
Tell the person you want to help and let the person know you care.
Pick the right time and place to discuss concerns with the person (free of distractions)
Be patient.
Avoid arguments or “battles of will” with the person.
Don’t “nag” about eating or not eating. Don’t be forceful.
Don’t agree to keep the person’s eating disorder a “secret” when the person’s health and/or thinking is impaired.
Avoid making comments about the person’s appearance.
Limit discussions about food or labeling foods as “good” or “bad.”
Do be available to listen to the person in times of distress.
Reach out to the person as a friend instead of focusing on the person’s eating behavior.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical
Significant weight loss of 15% or more of person’s expected weight for the person’s height
Loss of menstruation
Downy-like hair growth on face and arms
No energy
Permanent tooth damage from vomiting
Tissue damage to throat and esophagus
Seizures
Kidney damage
Electrolyte imbalance
Scrape marks on back of fingers as a result of repeated attempts to purge
Mental/Emotional
Preoccupation with body weight
Distorted body image
Intense fear of becoming obese, which doesn’t diminish as weight loss progresses
Refusal to maintain normal body weight
Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
Has very strict rules surrounding food
Behavioral
Episodic binge eating
Hides food
Plays with food on plate at mealtimes, but eats very little
Repeated attempts to lose weight by utilizing severely restrictive diets, self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives/enemas/ diuretics, appetite suppressants, or vigorous/excessive exercise
