My roommate has been really into losing weight in recent months, but they're taking it way too far. They wander around the kitchen all night, measuring the grams of food with their phone and calculating calories. They don't even sleep. Should I be worried about their health or should I think about what will come of all this effort?
I think we need to refer them directly to a psychiatrist. Getting stuck on such details might be the beginning of a serious eating disorder. Talk to them calmly and friendly, and ask, "Would you like to see a psychologist?" If they don't want to, try to reassure them by suggesting a referral through their family doctor. But this really should be left to a doctor; otherwise, it could get worse.
It's already pretty weird for them to sleep so little. So is it just a weight issue? Or is there something else going on? Maybe something happened in their personal life, and they're distracting themselves with food 😬
@dedikodusever honestly, it seems like there isn't anything else, but I'm not sure. It was normal before, this just started. Maybe they saw something on TikTok or something, they're always watching those 🤷♀️
@pratikci sure, referring her to a psychologist makes sense, but this is her own body, her own health. The obsession with weight is something society also encourages. I think the blame you're directing is a bit misplaced. We shouldn't pressure anyone with questions like 'why are you sleeping, why are you counting grams', it's her life.
This behavior can be a pathway to eating disorders, especially a condition called 'orthorexia nervosa,' which is an obsession with weight loss and healthy eating. However, of course, it can't be stated definitively. A referral from a family doctor or a discussion with a psychologist may be necessary. At the very least, it's important for you to create some awareness.
@feministbakis you may be talking about your own body, but it looks like an obsession. It could lead to health problems. What will a person do, watch their roommate and weigh everything day and night? That's just not practical.
Everyone is chasing the ideal weight, but some people can be very attractive even when they're not slim. I don't know, maybe it would be better to soften how you approach encounters instead of just supporting.
