Expert: Nafeesah - 4/13/2009

Question
Hello! This is a receipt for a question you recently asked at allexperts.com of Ryan Hale.  You should receive your reply within 3 days unless you see another number in parentheses by the person's name in the previous sentence. Thanks for using our service!

Your question was

"Our 13 year old daughter began displaying some compulsive eating traits last year – over eating, hoarding food, etc.  These episodes were typically brought on by stress.  She was always stocky to begin with and the overeating caused her to gain weight and her self esteem and endurance on the soccer field suffered.  Her weight went from low 120s to around 130.



We were concerned and had her admitted to Alexian Brothers for binge eating.  However, the treatment program didn’t go quite so well.  At 5’2”,. Her weight went from ~ 131 pounds to 141 pounds in 6 weeks.  (They provided a heavy menu with no restrictions; they are forced to eat everything on their plate.)  We avoid any type of weight discussion, but her overall fitness has suffered quite a bit.



Accordingly,  her self –esteem has suffered along with her endurance and speed on the soccer field. She is the most reclusive she’s ever been.   When I have broached the subject with her continuing care therapist and nutritionist, they want to avoid any type of weight loss discussion.  Their approach is she’ll either trim down some or grow into her weight.



QUESTION – Should we just wait this out?  I’m concerned with the length of time her self-esteem has been so low.  

Answer
I would seek out some kind of medical advice about getting treatment specifically for someone who's got her type of eating disorder. I would contact someone who specializes in counseling for eating disorders and emotional issues. Something-fishy.org has resources that can help you best find someone who can counsel you on what you need to do for your daughter.