I think my boyfriend has an eating disorder.

[jasper]

And I could really use some input from someone other than myself.

I've noticed that he sometimes throws up after he eats. Like nearly every time he eats around me I've noticed it. He doesn't know that I've noticed, though.

There was once when he ate a whole medium Domino's pizza for a dare and he threw up after that because he felt so sick. Another time, we had Subway and after he ate he said he went to use the bathroom, but when I went in the same bathroom later, it was stopped up and there were pieces of onion and spinach and bread and whatnot leftover (sorry for the details).

It happened once after we ate at his house and the only reason I knew it then was because I could smell it on him.

And just last night we had pizza, and I'm pretty sure he did it then too because I smelled it again.

I haven't mentioned it to him because I'm not entirely sure what I should say to him. I don't want to upset him or make him feel bad or anything like that. But I did ask if he did the time after we had Subway and he said he didn't. Though the food in the toilet said otherwise.

Also, he's really into jiu-jitsu and he's always saying he's gonna get back in shape like he used to be, but he's really not out of shape. I think he thinks he needs to lose weight, but if that's what he wants to do, he should do it the healthy way and not by throwing everything up 5 minutes after it goes down. I know losing weight like that isn't healthy and I think I should say something to him. I mean, I care about him and I don't want him to end up hurting himself in the long run.

So what exactly could I or should I do to help?

[jacquesvol]

Eating disorders are very serious!

A few facts:

Read this: link

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MORTALITY RATES

* Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness

* A study by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders reported that 5 to 10 % of anorexics die within 10 years after contracting the disease; 18-20 % of anorexics will be dead after 20 years and only 30 to 40% ever fully recover

* The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate of ALL causes of death for females 15 to 24 years old.

* 20% of people suffering from anorexia will prematurely die from complications related to their eating disorder, including suicide and heart problems

Read it all here: link

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I agree with AtomizerJr

[jasper]

Thanks so much!

[AtomizerJr]

Guys can have eating disorders. Especially athletes.

If he has an eating disorder, he needs medical help because eating disorders can have very serious complications. You can encourage and support him, but this is something that needs professional attention.

I suggest that you tell his parents what you've observed, and that you're worried for his health.

If his parents don't get him some help, talk to a counselor at school.

Your boyfriend might get angry with you. But I'd rather he was angry for a while than in the hospital on life-support, y'know?

Good luck!

[jacquesvol]

I was going to write about the same.

[jasper]

I completely understand that they're very serious, I've read and heard terrible stories, that's why I wasn't sure what to do. And I definitely don't want him to get into a fatal situation. Your post really helped me out here, thanks so much!

[Goatku]

You need to be open and honest. When you speak to him, try not to sound negative.

Eating disorders are very serious, don't let this be ignored.

Speak to his parents, maybe his jiu-jisu instructor, or his best friend. He needs help to become healthy again.

[jasper]

Alright, I'll be sure to keep cool and talk positively when I bring it up.

Thanks so much! :)