Expert: Reverend Abbott - 11/25/2006

Question
so what your saying is that she may have something wrogn with her at the moment and that is why it is flabby?

but the thing is that we go to a Gp and they keep sending us off to other people so we are not getting seen and when i say that she eats nothign and she is no smaller they seem to change the subject so to speak when she may have somethign wrong with her because if you dont eat and you exercise the equation is that you should lose weight right
-------------------------------------------
The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
hi my daughter is on a celery fast and has been for about 3 days and she exercises heaps! but she doesn't seem to be losing weight which i am worried abot because all that she eats is celery and seems to me like she is in starvation mode but surely you can lose weight while in this mode?
she use to weigh less but now she has eaten less but not got skinnier and her legs have expanded and her arms as well and i really don't get it! can you please help?

Also how much weight will she lose on this fast that she will be doing as much to my dismay a 7 day water fast and a 20 day celery fast..? i can't stop her from doing this and i would like ag guide as to how much she may lose? becaus this is really worrying me that she hates her self this much to have to result in this.. she said that she can't look at her flabby arms cos she feels like vomiting.,.
-----Answer-----
Her body may be shutting down, fluids building up inside, the body converting bone, muscle and organ tissue to add to fat storeage in order to survive.

Please get her to a doctor before this ends tragically.

With the degree of psychological involvement (anorexia is a psychological disorder) and possible body dysmophic disorder she has, you may be able to have her committed for professional care and intervention.  

We bury far, far too many young girls from this. Please don't wait. Call your medical provider or local mental health facilities right away - do not stop until someone is helping you both through this.

God bless  

Answer
Her muscles, tissues, organs and bones are quite possibly being used for 'nutrition' and life. When this happens, the skin will hang loose - your daughter is, from what you're telling me - starving herself. Anorexic. She's showing symptoms of other psychological disorders as well, including not seeing herself correctly (seeing 'fat' where there is none).

You need to keep talking to professionals until someone listens. Reach out to support groups for eating disorders, get lists of options from the local mental health dept of the hospital, no matter what - get her help. Check the yellow pages, even talk to her school officials, your pastor, anyone and everyone.
Don't give up !