Expert: Joanne - 6/16/2007

Question
Hi Holly,
I visited my younger sister last week and she looked beautiful as always. My mother took us out to eat and she refused to eat what she always enjoyed. I asked her what the problem was and she told me that she hasn't been eating for a week until the day I visited her. She didn't eat or drink at all during that whole week. But she looked normal to me. I researched that results include pale skin or weaknesses and stress. Then I noticed she was on anorexia. I want to know how long does anorexia take to notice those symptons in an anorexia person. I also tried to give her advice but it seemed like she wouldn't take it.

Answer
People that potentially have an eating disorder tend to be in denial, so don't be surprised if she didn't take your advice.

These symptoms will take varying times to appear.  If your sister isn't eating at all, rather than just very little, these symptoms will most likely show sooner!

I think the fact that she told you that she hadn't eaten suggests that she wanted you to know for some reason - almost a cry for attention and help of some sort!  Is there any reason that she would want attention from you or anyone else?

I think that you should try to speak to her again - voice your concerns, but don't sound accusatory.  Maybe encourage her to go to her Dr and speak things through with them!  Or if nothing else, and you are obviously concerned - speak to your parents!  If this is an eating disorder, or something likely to turn into an eating disorder, then you will not be able to deal with this alone!  Someone needs to be able to confront and support her - if you don't feel that she is listening to you - is there anyone else that she is likely to listen to?

I will ask you to visit www.something-fishy.org and have a look at the message board there for friends and family where you will have the opportunity to post your thoughts, feelings and questions and have people in a similar position tell you how they found things, and give you advice as to where to go next!

All the best to you and your sister
Holly