Boyfriend may have eating disorder

Anon as bf uses this.

My boyfriend is skinny. Like, hips and ribs sticking out skinny. This doesn't bother me as he's still attractive, but I worry that it's not healthy. Some days he eats nothing at all, because he "can't be bothered". I've never known him eat more than one meal a day, but when he does, they're entirely normal portions.
Should I be worried? And if so, what can I do to help him? I've told him that he shouldn't go for entire days without eating, but he just shrugs it off.

Reply 1

Schmokie Dragon

17

Doesn't sound healthy.

My best friend's boyfriend was like this. Very skinny, hardly ate. His usual excuse was that he "wasn't hungry" or "couldn't be bothered". Given that she has a series of EDs (as well as a crap load of other issues), she recognized that he also had an ED.

And ED is basicly a name for a bunch of erratic, unhealthy or destructive eating habits. This sounds like it qualifies, although you would have to get into his head to know what was really up.

And from my experience, it is very difficult to get to someone with an ED. They will shrug you off, tell you it isn't important, or even get upset that you are interfering. All you can really do is keep reassuring him that he is wonderful, and attractive, and that you love him.

Reply 2

devilsthorn

1

I'm usually between 9-10 stones depending on my eating habits. For a 5ft 8 guy, that's okish...

It's past midnight here and I'm eating breakfast now, lol. Sometimes I eat only 1 meal or 2 a day. On a I feel like eating day, I'll cook 3 large meals and eat snacks in between.

This habit gets bad stomachs all the time...

Reply 3

eurasianfeline

13

The problem with guys is because it's normal for them to have less body fat than girls to start with, it's usually not as easy to recognise the signs. And conventionally, people think that "guys don't get eating disorders" which is completely false. For guys, the occurence seems less, but it might be due to the lack for recognition by people hance less reported as well. On the other hand, when guys DO have an eating disorder, it tends to be a lot worse than girls.

I would keep an eye on your bf, and try to maybe encourage him to eat even just 1 more meal, so a snack or something. Don't force him though because it wouldn't go down well, esp. if he does have an eating disorder.

Reply 4

WokSz

17

That's not healthy at all! My friend used to be like this until he was admitted into hospital due to health issues. Maybe he should see a Dietician.

Reply 5

Moofy

Get your friend to ask him about it. It doesn't mean he has an eating disorder if he doesn't eat much.

If his behaviour becomes worrying, get him to see a doctor. The internet does not have the power nor is it it's job to diagnose anyone.

Boyfriend may have eating disorder

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