Expert: Joanne - 8/28/2008

Question
my friend is 22 she is now 5 stone 3 severly underweight & suffers from depression. She says she isnt anorexic but suffers from food intolerance.  What can I do to help her?

Answer
Kim

I would doubt that this is simply a food intolerance!  If she had been tested and diagnosed with food intolerances, she would have most likely been offered advice from a dietician in order to work out a meal plan that she could eat to get enough nutrients every day while missing out whatever she is intolerant to.

The fact that she suffers from depression is something that needs to be more closely looked at!  People with depression can quite often lose their appetite and lose weight, while others may turn to binge eating.

I would have thought if this was simply due to the depression, she would be quite open about that being the cause, especially if she made you aware of the depression.  The food intolerance line is quite commonly used by those suffering from eating disorders as a cover-up, but becareful before accusing your friend of lying!

The next time you see her, I would ask her to go to the doctor with you, or a dietician, as you are concerned about her weight, and would like someone to help build a meal plan that she could follow, and become a more healthy weight.  If she is willing to do this, then it could be a food intolerance that simply hasn't been treated well and no further referral was made, but if she refuses you maybe need to question why that is.  Let her know that you are in no way judging her, but you are there to listen and support, and if it is an eating disorder, you will help her find the treatment she needs.

Is her depression being treated?  If she does have regular contact with a therapist or counsellor for it, then I would talk to her about bringing it up at her meetings, if not, then she really needs to try and get an appointment with one as depression really requires some sort of talk-therapy.

Everything has to be her decision though due to her age.  If you think that she is becoming seriously ill, and/or putting her life at risk, then I would talk to someone as soon as possible, be it her Dr, her parents, anyone that you feel is in a position to help her!

Joanne