What should I do about my friend? - eating disorder?

I am genuinly worried about one of my closest friends. She's 14 and for quite a while now she's not been eating anything throughout the whole of the school day. She is very self-concious and is always making comments like "I'm fat, I wish I was thin and pretty"

Today in PE I noticed her arms seemed really flimsy, she finished last in the distance race and didn't seem to have a lot of energy. I have talked to a few of my other friends about it and they have just said stuff like "It's not your problem, don't worry about it" I have also tried sensitivly talking to her about it, that didn't go too well, she insists she's eating normally and she just isn't hungry at lunchtimes.

She's got a prefectionist personality (which a lot of people with eating disorders have) and I'm scared that she'll take this too far. Has anyone got any ideas of how I can help her? I just want her to be her normal happy self.
Thanx, ~Katie~

Hi Katie

As a woman with an eating disorder (Bulimia) i have no sure answers, your friend is lucky that she has a good friend (you) that is there for her.
My suggestions would be that you do not push her to admit that she has a problem, just tell her that if there is anything that she is worried about, or wants to talk about, that your ears are always free for her.

do NOT mention an eating disorder, as she will just clam up even more, and get VERY defensive.

Well done for being such a great friend, but remember that people with eating disorders are ILL, and if you are VERY worried about her, they just be there for her,or maybe mention it to a teacher if you think its a good idea, but she will get better when SHE is better...

Good luck, hope that helps!

I think its time you talk about your concerns with a conselor at school or your parents. She needs help, more than you can give. Be there for her and be supportive in the mean time.
this is an issue for her parents to hear about. don't go to the school counselor though your friend with be more likely to listen to family. she will need counseling and lots f emotional support from her friends and family. get her help ASAP. good luck.
Katie

Eating disorders are very complex, she needs to be directed towards help - if she will take it.

Be supportive & honest with her, she will needs close freinds to just be there for her.

Pam
She needs professional help. Tell her parents. If you're too scared, tell your parents to tell her parents. Or you can at least tell a school counselor
tell her parents and tell them about the issue that is the best way I believe.
You should tell her parents of your concerns. Being her parents hopefully they can keep a closer eye on her, and if they also notice something strange in her eating habits they would hopefully get her some help. If talking to her parents is not an option for you, mabe you should see a school counselor or a favorite teacher of yours, someone who could help. Meanwhile do your best to build her confidence with nice compliments, that always helps me when I feel bad about myself.