“Can weight loss become an obsession?”
My daughter is getting obsessed with weight loss and it has become an obsession for her. She isn't even overweight but she is eating so much less. I'm really worried. What should I do?
9 Answers
Yes, it can be an obsession. Speak to her medical doctor about a referral to a therapist who specializes in eating problems.
Yes it can. There are usually other underlying issues. I would find a therapist to talk to.
Find a therapist in your area that specializes in anorexia.
You are right to be concerned. Being preoccupied with losing weight (especially if she’s objectively a normal weight) is a serious mental health problem—she may have anorexia and/or body dysmorphic disorder, in which her body image is distorted to the point, she obsessively controls her eating portions and quality. It’s very important that you take her to both her PCP and a psychiatrist, as well as a psychologist, especially one who specializes in food related issues. This is often a symptom of another underlying issue, which needs to be addressed and treated. If this is done, you can avoid serious health problems manifesting from being seriously underweight.
yes it can become a very self destructive life style without remediation. Intervention is definitely needed and I would recommend medication and therapy. Before her body shuts down.
Your daughter shows signs of developing an eating disorder where weight loss or restricting food intake leads to increased self-worth, control in one's life, a distracting purpose, or decreased anxiety, even when it adversely affects one's emotional and physical well-being. You should seek treatment for her with a mental health professional, preferably one who specializes in treating eating disorders. Treatment goals include: 1) increasing her willingness and ability to use constructive means to maintain a healthy weight, 2) replacing irrational thoughts with rationale alternatives, 3) identifying and resolving underlying issues contributing to her behavior.
Have her see a psychologist to work on possible therapeutic interventions dealing with OCD or eating disorder.
She is lost as many are. She needs to learn about what is important in her life. Many women are on diets all their lives. It controls them and they let it happen. They gave clinics for that or therapist. Many teens go through social environments that are not easy and nice. She will most likely listen to her friends over anyone else unless she is in her late twenties. You can let her know how the body and organs need nutrition to grow how we are suppose to be. Hopefully she will outgrow her insecurities we all have. Don’t be afraid to make her favorite dish.
An obsession with weight loss can be a real cause for concern. My first recommendation would be to take her to a medical provider to ensure that she remains medically healthy. From that point, your doctor can recommend a comprehensive treatment approach to include a medical provider, nutritionist, and mental health professional.
