How to Help a Friend with an Eating Disorder

DO

Choose one person the individual trusts & respects — not a group
Find a quiet & private place to talk
Have the conversation when you are feeling calm — make sure you are not angry or frustrated with something else they may have done or said
Think through your thoughts ahead of time — write down the reasons you are worried, including specific behaviors you have observed
Be direct and honest. If you have heard the person throwing up, say so, rather than making vague statements such as, “You seem to be in the bathroom a long time.”
Stick with the subject at hand — if the person strays from talking about the eating problem offer to speak about the subject later but stay focused on your original topic
State clearly that you are not trying to control the person’s eating and that you respect one’s right to make decisions
Use “I” language that reflects your feelings. EXAMPLE: “I’ve noticed that you’ve lost a lot of weight. I care about you, and I am worried that you have an eating disorder. I hope that we can talk about it and that I can help you find a way to feel better.”
Focus on realistic goals such as getting them professional help and minimizing the influence the eating disorder has on your friendship

Expect to “solve” your friend’s eating disorder
Monitor or check up on how much or how little your friend is eating or exercising — this usually makes the person with an eating disorder resentful and more secretive
Use your friend’s problem as a topic of gossip with other friends