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Oh no! Is my friend anorexic?!

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I think my friend might be anorexic. She only brings one piece of fruit for lunch every day. Sometimes, she doesn't even eat it.

My other friends and I tell her to eat more for lunch, but she just says she's fine or not hungry. Is eating only one thing for lunch a sign of her becoming anorexic?

Hey hon, your friend is so lucky to have a great gal like you watching out for her. But before you confront her, it’s important to find out as much as you can about anorexia, a potentially life-threatening health issue. Anorexia nervosa is when someone starves herself on purpose and is unable to maintain a healthy weight.

Is she really anorexic?

A lot of factors help determine someone’s healthy weight—height, body type and fitness level. Some symptoms of anorexia include an intense fear of gaining weight, overexercising and restricting food or types of food. Your friend seems to be severely restricting what she lunches on, so her problem might be serious.

Talk it out

Get your girl one-on-one so you can talk it out alone. Don't corner her in a group where she might feel intimidated. Let her know you’re concerned about her health and you think she may have an eating disorder. Tell her that you care about her SO much and really want her to be the happiest and healthiest she can be.

Too much of something good can go VERY wrong

Eating a healthy diet and exercising are good, but there is some such thing as overdoing it. Believe me, my college roommates pulled me aside when they thought I was hitting the gym too much and not eating enough. They helped me before my health became a huge issue.

Remember, you’re her friend, not her doctor. You can’t force her to do anything. If she is still showing symptoms of anorexia, politely suggest she talk to her doctor or the school counselor. For more help, CLICK HERE. You’re doing the right thing. She may not thank you now, but she’ll appreciate your concern. Best of luck, girl.

Lots of love,

L’Oreal

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BY CAITLIN R. ON 11/11/2009 7:00:00 AM 62 COMMENTS

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My friend's cousin only eats 500 calories a day. Sometimes she eats even less. I'm scared about her. What should me and Hanna (her cousin) do to help her?

WaffleAddict on 12/10/2009 4:31:18 PM

MOD MOD MOD What can I get or make for my BFFs for christmas / birthdays that is pretty cheap?

Hey girl,

Check our our current issue of GL. There's tons of stuff in there about do-it-yourself gifts for your BFFs. Also check out the craft section of our website! Hope this helps!

Megan P.

Megan P.

cheytai on 12/4/2009 4:49:59 PM

MOD MOD
Hey, my BFF recently moved to a different state. It was hard, but I talked to her on the phone a lot, texted, webcammed, IMd, etc. I thought everything would be just like old times when she visited because we'd been keeping up with eachothers lives. Everytime I called her, the conversation veered towards her, I tried not to think about it, but she went overboard. She just visited for Thanksgiving and things were definately not as I expected. She wears TONS of make-up that makes her look goth, she was calling me bossy because I asked her to put her phone away. (She was texting non stop.) It started making me upset the way she was. Is it too late to be friends? What should I do?
P.S- I think the friends she has at her new school are not the "right" crowd. Her mom mentioned that...
-Confused

Hey girl! You can still be friends with her...she might have just changed when she moved. You should just make sure that she is ok and does not go down the wrong road. You should still be there as a friend for her.

Eryn G.

antellez11 on 12/2/2009 3:43:11 PM

She might be. Ask her if you can help. See if she'll eat anything else. If she won't, take your bff to the doctor and be by her side every second.

WaffleAddict on 11/26/2009 9:59:31 PM

MOD!!!MOD!!!
Hi, i have anorexia nervosa on top of alot of other things such as depression and anxiety. My friends pick on me for being too skinny but the truth is they don't know about my anorexia. I want them to understand how hard it is for me and for them to stop. How could i tell them? Please help.
Thanks!

Hey girl! This is a delicate conversation. They are going to want to get you help, and you need to be ready for that. Anorexia is a serious disease that many girls have died from. It's important to get help and feel better about yourself. There's no easy way to tell your friends, so just sit them down and say you have something important you need to share with them. Please get help! This is a very serious issue.

Liz

Liz L.

mojo41 on 11/23/2009 3:43:16 PM

I don't fit in anymore!!

Up until grade six it was just me and my bestie. That year a new girl came and we made friends with her. My bestie kinda dumped me. It is still the three of us, but she likes our new friend alot more!! It hurts because she really shows it, i feel so left out. She calls her over to tell her stuff, but never me. They have inside jokes and won't tell me. She tells her secrets but not me. She immediatly goes to find her if she went some where. It's crazy!! I do not know what to do, she is really hard to talk to sometimes.It even seem like my other friend is ditching me all well. I am like an extra.

- Left Behind

smile.katie <3 on 11/20/2009 6:34:02 PM

MOD
Thnks Allie, lol my name is Ally! She's the kind of person who'll follow you. Weird, she isn't a dog and I didn't ger her a leash. I'll try that out, but ignoring someone who is trying 2 b connected by ur hip is rlly hard. lol

Alyssa B.

ajago12598 on 11/19/2009 7:18:44 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
This girl I used to be friends with, Deanna. Now she’s really mean, backstabbing, and a huge gossip. My BFF (Tif) likes this guy, Max. When Tif and Deanna are together and they see Max, Deanna says “Look Tif! There’s Max!” really loud. Deanna also flirts with Max, a lot! She talks about me behind my back to my twin sister who stands up for her. Deanna also blames everything on everyone else, she never suspects herself. Ex. Deanna- “Why is Carol running away from me?” She gets angry at Carol, she should try to improve herself. I keep away from her, you know, avoid the problem. Then she complains about it to my twin. My sister gets offended. I’m afraid of my twin, she beats me up. Then she says “She’s never been bad to you, you should feel ashamed of yourself.” My sister is 2 minutes younger may I add. What should I do to finally settle this, umm “bad word”. LOL jk, but how do I settle this?

Hey babe,

You'll just have to ignore this girl and your twin when she sticks up for her. You have different tastes and you like different people. Just be clear with your sis that you don't mind if she stays friends with this girl but you don't want to. If you don't react to her, she'll stop talking behind your back eventually.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

ajago12598 on 11/18/2009 7:26:24 PM

There is a new club out called....club colors!
Here we need members and job people!
Come here to get advice we REALLY can help you and FAST!
Join club colors!
Thanks
Anyone is WELCOME!

club colors on 11/18/2009 6:58:27 PM

Mod!, okay so my best friends birthday is coming up, she told me not to get her anything.. but where is the fun in that? Anyhoo i want to make some fun but i'm not sure what! she told me not to buy anything so i'm trying to keep it handmade, HELP! thanks(:

Hey girl! Try printing out a cute pic of the two of you and putting it in a really great frame! It will be so cute and personal!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

evolution_of_love_and_music(: on 11/17/2009 7:49:47 PM

you need to eat more food because there is a high risk that you can die maybe try talking to her and tell her it is alright and that you are there for her.

pinkdot2 on 11/15/2009 8:04:46 PM

hey girlies everywhere!!!! come check out my profile! it's sweet and a bunch of fun! thanks! xoxoxo

rightfield1 on 11/15/2009 6:29:03 PM

MOD!! MOD!! MOD!! one of my good friends in the 7th grade (im in 8th) is really starting to get on my nerves. we've been friends since the end of last school year since our moms have been good friends with each other. but now she is really starting to annoy me. when im getting stuff from my locker between classes, and if i dont see her, without warning, she bangs her hands on my shoulders really hard. she does it so hard that my shoulders are constantly sore all the time because of it. the other day, she called me and asked me if i had to go to a football game and she said that i could hang out with her instead. i hang out with her all the time, and since i wanted to go to the game and get some time away from her, i said that i had to go. she also shoves me at musical practice and makes me sit next to her whenever we're together, even though i would like to sit with other people. i love her as a friend, and she can be fun to hang out with, but sometimes shes really annoying and i want her to go away. what should i do about her??

Hey girl, you have to tell her that she's annoying. Next time you see her, sit her down and tell her you need to talk. Let her know you like having her as a friend and enjoy her company but need some time away from her. Tell her you need to spend some time with your other friends. Maybe introduce her to some other kids in your classes, so she can make some new friends and can leave you alone. Hope this helps!

Lynae P.

dramagirl31 on 11/15/2009 3:07:02 PM

MOD MOD MOD
thank you so much. i have another question, how do i meet new frinds? i only have 8 kids in my class.

Get involved in other activities and hang out with friends outside of school--it's a great way to meet new people!

Miliana B.

tiarrald on 11/15/2009 11:38:45 AM

MOD MOD
one of my friends is so annoying because she is always bragging about something. she gets all a's and is BRAGGING all the time weather its abouit something she just got or her grades. and thats not all, she is always inviting my other friend to do things w/ her but then if she says no, she asks me if i can go with her to places. so im like the rebound.....how do i deal with her?

Ok, this problem is twofold. First of all, people who brag are always the ones who want self-assurance that everything is ok and want to feel confident, so they remind you all about how great they are. So really, it's on her. But if that annoys you, then don't spend as much time around her, because she's not going to change. And as far as her treating you like a rebound, it seems to me like you don't especially enjoy her company so maybe you should find a friend you want to be better friends with, ya know? Better company! best,

Miliana B.

tiarrald on 11/15/2009 11:24:17 AM

MOD
my friend is only 12 and already talking about having sex. She hasn't done that yet but she really wants to. I am also worried because she's always saying that she loves this guy who she's known for less than 2 weeks. I've tried telling her things about getting pregnant and a bunch of other stuff but she acts like it can't happen to her. how do I get her to change her mind about this?

Hey girl! You are right, she is way to young. You could always have her talk to an adult or parent so that she won't do anything that she might regret.

Eryn G.

1023brooke1023 on 11/14/2009 4:33:41 PM

ouch that sounds bad.
i would talk to your friend about ur concerns

rightfield1 on 11/14/2009 2:36:45 PM

MOD i am no good at volleyball but like playing Is it crazy to join the team

Hey babe, its good you have passion for the game but you do need some volleyball skills to play. I think you should keep practicing and try out for the team. Who knows, maybe volleyball is you thing.

Lynae P.

soccerrox1997 on 11/13/2009 10:20:18 PM

MOD
I asked for adivce earlier about my friend making me the third wheel whenever I call her. I called her and talked to her while she was free, then after a few minutes she started talking to other people again and I started feeling left out so I said I'd call back. She's like "You sure?" And I said yes I don't wanna be a third wheel and then she's like "Fine then!" and we hung up. What did I do wrong here?

Hey babe,

I don't think you did anything wrong. If she's still mad when you talk to her next time, just explain that it makes you feel awkward to be part of a conversation you didn't think you were going to have. You called her, after all, not her and someone else. Just be polite but make it clear that it bothers you.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

bliss on 11/13/2009 7:23:29 PM

my friend use to be like that, but after talking to her and all she stopped. now if she wants to lose weight she just exercises!

*mimi* on 11/13/2009 6:00:14 PM

MOD
Every time I call my friend she's ALWAYS talking to someone else over headset. I ask if she wants to just call me back later, but she says no. Then I end up just sitting there listening to them talk. Then I ask again, but she says no and says I'm the one being distracting! I said nothing and then she starts talking about something else and I'm like "Yeah... okay." Then she's like "I'll call you back later." and hangs up. How can I explain to her that this is really making me mad? She's done it for two days now.

Hey babe,

Tell her in person that it makes you uncomfortable and if it ever happens again, just politely tell her that you'll call her back and hang up as soon as you realize she's not paying attention. she'll definitely get the message.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

Bliss on 11/13/2009 5:19:19 PM

ughh i hate it when people say stuff like that. seriously just b/c your not always hungry and eat alot all the time dosent mean you're anorexic, you could just be a small person( like me) who cant eat very much.

endurancebabe18 on 11/12/2009 10:29:01 PM

I don't think she is anorexic, I don't really eat anything for lunch, and i'm not anorexic. I'm just not hungry during our lunch hour, maybe your friend is the same way. Please check out my profile and comment, I love to give advice!

Kristin95 on 11/12/2009 10:28:32 PM

im the same way.i never eat.but im not starving myself.i would never do that.its just im not hungrey.you sounded like my friends though always trying to make me eat and when i do they cheer like i won a marthon.its kinda of funny.cheer up and talk to her.if she looks to skinny or you can see her cheeck bones dont panic but talk to her ASAP.i probally didnt help just now but i tried

animal-lover300 on 11/12/2009 9:26:03 PM

MOD***MOD***MOD Hey, girlie! okay so most days my friend gets taken to school by her mom and that's fine but she always waits 'till her mom leaves then she starts crying...

Hey girl, the best thing you can do is talk her through. Unfortunately it sounds like there might be an abusive situation going on in your friends house. I would tell your parents or a trusted adult about it so they can handle the situation. Be there for your friend though, this seems to be a rough time for her and she needs you.

xoxo Olivia

Olivia A.

dancing4ever1997 on 11/12/2009 2:56:34 PM

Or okay... This is going to sound REALLY lame... But does your friend have braces? Because honestly, for lunch at school, I usually only bring a piece of fruit or something light because I have braces! I'm afraid food will get stuck or something, so I don't eat much!
OR... Also like me, if your friend was chunky at one point, she could just be afraid of gaining weight again... :-( Or she could just not be a lunch person! But either way, if you're THAT concerned, I'd talk to her about it!

Lexy5 on 11/11/2009 11:20:13 PM

MOD!
okay lately I have been very annoyed with my body!! My skin is extra sensitive and my hands are small and fragile! People always say my hands are so tiny and that I'm so tiny. I'm sick of it, I know I want to be happy with my body, but how can I if people keep judging me? Please help? Thanks ♥

Hey girl, the thing you've gotta do is not let what these people say bother you. You ARE beautiful, and your body is growing! Look in the mirror and be confident. If you feel proud of the way you look, it will show inside and out and those other people? They'll catch on. Confidence is your best accessory so never let what they say bring you down!

xoxo

Alyssa B.

MiniSpell on 11/11/2009 10:30:05 PM

***MOD***
Earlier today a Mod helped me when I said I'm really scared to tell my school counsellor about my cutting, and she said I really should. But Mod, I'm soo so scared, and when I told her about my eating disorder she phoned my parents and I really can't go through that again. That day was the worst day of my life and I'm so stressed. Please help me mod. I don't know what to do

Hey girl, I know it may be hard, but you need to tell someone about your cutting. Ask your guidance counselor to keep it on the DL for now but know you should not keep this in. You shouldn't have to fight this battle alone and your counselor (and even folks) want to help. Be brave and strong, girlie. You'll be ok!

xoxo

Alyssa B.

summernight_dreams on 11/11/2009 9:35:29 PM

Last winter-spring i was aneroxic, my friends and mom all thought i was. i wouldnt eat breakfast or lunch n barley anything for dinner. but when summer came i just started eating more reguarly. now i eat lunch and a small dinnter and i have 2hr cheer practice every day. i feel a lil better about myself but not much. i wanna lose 20lbs so i was 85lbs

littlemiss139 on 11/11/2009 8:29:00 PM

mmmooooooddddd....today at school my crush{who has a gf and he doesnt know me;[} finised typing early so she made us sit together and type so a few times i caught him looking at me but they havent broken up what going on? how should i just bring up a TINY convo what should it be about thx sooooooooooooooo much

volleychicka on 11/11/2009 8:20:02 PM

mod mod mod...i am NOT even close to being fat but i eat soooo much how do i control myself

Hey babe,

Try to limit yourself to only eating when you're really hungry. A lot of the time you crave foods (especially salty food) when you're actually just thirsty, so try drinking a glass of water when you get hungry and if you're still hungry in a few minutes then go for something healthy and filling.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

volleychicka on 11/11/2009 7:59:13 PM

MOD MOD MOD!! This Sunday is my BFFs b-day party, and its at the bowling alley. Do you think skinny jeans and a bright scoop neck shirt would be cute? What kinda acceseries should I wear?

Hey babe,

Yep, that sounds really cute! Maybe try a long necklace and a head band to keep the hair out of your eyes while you're bowling

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

Bookworm :) on 11/11/2009 7:58:25 PM

Join *clubmusichearts*!!!! It's for all our musical girlies out there!!! and cause.........

It's just that awesome.

Gabster

*clubmusichearts* on 11/11/2009 7:53:21 PM

You should talk to her and a counseler and her parents. Don't pressure her or she will not want to be your friend. Show her that you are there for her and are concerned. Don't worry your friend will get through this.

Check out my profile; I give the best advice!

God Bless!

Abriella123 on 11/11/2009 7:46:06 PM

MOD!
Are there any exercises to make your hips smaller?

laura123 on 11/11/2009 7:23:20 PM

Happy Veterans Day!

tang454 on 11/11/2009 6:40:01 PM

MOD MOD MOD!!!
I've been having some friend probs, so my mom suggested guidance counseling. I have 2 Qs about it. 1)Is it good to go to guidance counseling? 2)Is it better to get a boy counseler or a girl counseler?
MOD MOD MOD!!!

Hey babe,

For some people counseling is really helpful and for others it's easier to go through it by yourself, but the only way to find out is to try it. If you think you'd be more comfortable with one or the other I'm sure you can request that but I don't think it matters too much. A woman might have a better perspective on some of your probs but they both have the same training for most things.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

memory975 on 11/11/2009 6:13:59 PM

hey MOD i'm really freaked out. i put a comment on another thingy a long time ago like last year but it was about how i really wanted a baby and that stopped for a really long time. but i scared again becuz those feelings r starting to come back again and idk why. plz help me! give me advice and tips or anything i just want this to end!

Hey babe,

You know it's not the right time for you to have a baby, so keep reminding yourself of that. There will be plenty of time for you to have a baby when you're ready. You can try to find a family to babysit in the mean time to calm your baby-cravings. ;)

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

angel365 on 11/11/2009 5:54:59 PM

no offense or anything, i know anorexia is a problem and all, but GL has like posted 5 articles in the past month all about friends being anorexic, all saying about the same stuff.

laughOUTloud4 on 11/11/2009 5:54:42 PM

MOD*****************
&anybody who can help (:
okay so i think i might have a problem, well its not even a problem its just something i am realllyyyy confused about.
well me and this guy that i was really good friends with dated over the summer, but i broke it off cause i felt like we werent being more than friends. but when school started we liked each other again and so we started going out again, that time he broke it off, and at first i thought it was for another girl so i was really mad at him, so i erased his number and didnt talk to him for a month...but then i felt like i lost a friend so i decided to talk to him and tell him that we could be friends again. well when i decided to talk to him again i found out that he didnt break up with me for that girl, he did it for the same reason i did(it didnt feel like we were being more than friends)...
well he is best friends with my best friends boyfriend, and we all hung out this past weekend...and my best friend's boyfriend told my best friend that after we left my ex and his mom were talking about me and said that i was cute and all this other stuff...and he has texted me almost everyday since we decided to be friends again. i dont know if it means anything but i could have feelings for him again, its just i dont know how i feel or how he feels. and after the last time, when he broke up with me, i shut my feelings down so i dont even know if i could like him again...
what do you think i should do?? like i talk to him almost everyday for like 5 hours at a time...but i have no clue if that means anything to him.
give me your opinion on what i should do please and thank you♥♥

Hey babe,

If you guys keep running into the same problem I definitely think you should really take things slow this time. You guys are definitely really close so for now just let it be that and don't worry about labeling it for awhile. Then if it feels like you're friends after awhile that's probably all you'll be but if you feel like it's something more then it might be time to try again. Just be clear next time what you both expect from each other in terms of a dating relationship rather than a friend relationship.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

KSG2013 on 11/11/2009 5:39:15 PM

check out profile!!!!!

winneconnerocks on 11/11/2009 5:39:14 PM

MODMODMODMODMODMODMOD
hey there mod! ok so i am very nervous to ask my mom for a facebook. how can i get over my nerves??? (also my mom always seems to get mad at my sis or bro when i feel like asking but idk if thats a part of it) please help my get over my nerves! (im like the only freshman that doesnt have a facebook!!!!!) thanks!!

Hey babe,

Asking when your mom isn't angry is probably a good idea, but you should also be sure to bring up a lot of the reasons you want a facebook besides being the only person without one, like that it's a good way to keep in contact with friends and family who live farther away. Just be calm and respectful when you ask and wait a while before asking again if she says no at first.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

bl0ndiegrl1 on 11/11/2009 5:36:50 PM

NEED ADVICE? JOIN CLUB REALFAITH!!! LOTS OF JOBS AVAILABLE

livvybee365 on 11/11/2009 5:31:51 PM

Have you thanked a veteran today?

Happy Veterans Day!

Thanking all who have served (and serving now)!

~lasagna~

lasagna on 11/11/2009 5:17:05 PM

Want to eat healthy but not ready to go full vegetarian?
Solution: Go semi-veg! This means that you will not eat cow and pig but still eat chicken and turkey (basically cutting out red meat). Or, you can give up all of those and just eat seafood.

Solution2: Moderation! Instead of every meal, eat meat just once a day or maybe once every couple days.

Solution3: Lower quantities! The average American eats 6 servings of meat a day (2 servings per meal) when all they need is 3 a day. How about you eat meat every meal but only half a serving each meal?

glamgirlteen on 11/11/2009 5:04:56 PM

i dont really eat anything for lunch and im not anorexic

bella<3gymnastics on 11/11/2009 4:08:46 PM

my sister doesn't eat lunch and shes not anorexic

wednesday1408 on 11/11/2009 3:43:29 PM

She sounds it, but I'm no pro.
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lasagna on 11/11/2009 3:40:34 PM

i read a book were this girls friend had an ulcer (from being way 2 stressed) and she didn't eat too much and exercised alot and got angry.

PicturePerfect on 11/11/2009 3:34:30 PM

bad she need to eat more

smartkid38 on 11/11/2009 3:08:20 PM

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Oh no! Is my friend anorexic?!

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