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Question
I have a 16 year old niece that is loosing her hair and no longer gets her period. And my brother doesn't think that she has a serious eating disorder. I just would like to know if there are different stages of eating disorders and how I can make him and his wife realize that this is gotten to be a serious condition for their beautiful daughter. Any information to help me inform them is great. Thank you!
Good job ! Your close observations and insights could make all the difference for this young lady. It's unfortunate that some people in this very informed day and age still don't get it. Anorexics don't start out at 80 lbs and near death. Anorexics can weigh 300 lbs or 120 lbs or any other weight. It's just that we don't really notice until they LOOK sickly (and by then it's very advanced, very serious and very hard to treat).
Bulimics rarely look 'bulimic'. Most bulimics are of normal or even over weight. There are multiple forms of bulimia, among which is the most well known "binge and purge". Other forms of bulimia include exercise bulimia (excessive, nearly constant), laxative/diuretic overuse and more.
Hair loss and amenorrhea (cessation of periods)usually accompany advanced anorexia.
Your brother needs to understand that anorexia is the number ONE most fatal of all psychological disorders. Does he really want to take that risk with his daughter?
Even the possibility that she may be dying should prompt at least enough of an action to have her evaluated by a professional experienced with eating disorders.
Keep fighting for her.
There's more info about e.d.'s here www.GetTheReal.info
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Answers by Expert:
Reverend Abbott
Expertise
I have lived it and survived it. I know every excuse, reason, thought, feeling and rationalization - and I'm going to be very honest in my advice.
Experience
I've lost (& gained)HUNDREDS of lbs over a lifetime, more than 30 years of "professional dieting". Presently a counselor for sufferers of eating disorders, a nutritional advisor and spiritual counselor (Reverend,doctor); I've been on every diet there is and used the most bizarre weight loss products you can imagine. I am FORMERLY obese, anorexic (several times), bulimic MOST of the time - and maintaining size 4, with no gimmicks, devices, programs, pills or supplements.
I currently investigate the diet industry on behalf of consumers who do not need to be ripped off while struggling to be healthy. I WILL expose them all and I WON'T be intimidated, bullied or bought. My advice is for cost-free options. I have nothing whatsoever to gain from my recommendation(s). I make no money from my website and I sell, promote, endorse NO diet/health products, programs or devices. You'll also never see me on the receiving end of a hidden camera report...but you can be assured, I won't quit until I've exposed those who are out to take advantage of you.
It's a matter of choices. We need to stop complicating things.
Degrees & Certifications:
I'm an ordained minister (Reverend, doctor) spiritual/living/behavior counselor.
I have a medical education and management background (with college). Through early 90's (until retirement) Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".
Organizations
While active (through the 1980's), included in Who's Who Of American Women; Who's Who On the East Coast; Who's Who Among Emerging American Leaders; Who's Who Of Intellectuals - all for "outstanding performance in (my) field".
Education/Credentials
Ordained Minister; phlebotomist; medical information researcher for court cases
Awards and Honors
Doctorate of Divinity
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