[mhawk]

This is my sister's second time with anorexia. This time she is eating healthier, but she excersizes too much, for how many calories she eats. She has to be down to 80 some pounds by now and the rest of my family really doesn't know what to do. I feel as if her husband is an enabler, and I feel as if she needs drastic help! She will soon never see her kids grow up and get married. How do I get her committed for help, and/or what should I do?

[N0help4u]

For one thing she needs to change her eating habits and eat a little something every hour if she is not able to eat full meals at meal time. Even if it is a banana or a or a half a sandwich as long as she is getting a little something in her throughout the day.
Then too she needs more of certain vitamins and take them with her biggest meal, NOT on an empty stomach or a semi empty stomach or she will get nauseous and throw up. Most of these vitamins will work at increasing her appetite.

* Chromium ­ 200 mg, twice daily for six weeks to help keep the blood-sugar level in balance. Do not take if diabetic 'taking shots' without dr supervision.
* Beta-carotene ­ 25,000 IU
* Mixed carotenoids ­ (amounts will vary)
* Vitamin A ­ 10,000 IU
* Calcium ­ 1,500 mg
* Magnesium ­ 1,200 mg
* Potassium ­ 22-200 mg
* Selenium ­ 200mcg (Do not exceed 40mcg if pregnant)
* Zinc ­ 25 mg twice a daily (Do not exceed 100 mg daily from all supplements)
* Copper ­ 3 mg daily (for mineral balance)
* B-complex ­ with 25 mg of each of the major B vitamins every day.
* Acidophilus ­ as directed on label. (Needed to replace the "friendly" bacteria lost due to vomiting/laxative use)
* Vitamin B12 sublingual

If she gets bloaty that makes her not feel like eating then she should also take digestive enzymes WHEN she feels bloated.

[0rphan]

I think the main problem is being overlooked.

Why does she feel that she has to exercise to use up all her calories, she obviously sees herself somewhat differently when looking in a mirror.

Until the root of the problem is found she will continue with the same routine.

The biggest hurdle for her is admitting that she has a problem, once she does, then you can seek help through the correct channels, beginning with her GP, who will refer her to the appropriate clinics for professional help.

[simoneaugie]

Her husband is closest to her physically. His comments about her weight have tremendous impact. Ideally, he would go into partnership with you, to save her life. She must choose a healthier lifestyle herself. The two of you can help her do that but the choice must be hers.

Have you spoken with a counsellor yourself? A person who works with people like your sister may have some ideas of how to approach her.