My daughter has anorexia and I just don’t know how to make her eat
Problem
Dear Marisa,
My daughter has anorexia and I just don’t know how to make her eat. I have tried forcing her, begging and pleading with her and everything else I can think off but nothing works how can I get her to eat and to gain weight I am so worried Angela
Marisa’s Response
Dear Angela
Anorexia is a tough challenge because it is an illness that is much more about being in control rather than not eating. Anorexics need to control what is going on around them and often can’t so instead they control their body by controlling what they eat it often starts at puberty when girls can’t control what is happening to their bodies and also can occur when changes happen at school or at home i.e. divorcing parents , moving schools, exams etc. Recognise your daughter needs to feel in control and support her as much as you can don’t try to give her bulky or starchy food like bread cereal beans pasta etc as they cause bloating and make anorexic s feel fat which makes them even more resistant to not eating. Instead encourage her to eat lean protein like eggs fish skinless chicken as they are building food s that her body needs along with veg salad and fruit. Join a support group for anorexics and both go to it as you both need help and support
