If an adult anorexic person throws tantrums for not being described as overweight, what should people do?

I’m not sure why he would “throw a tantrum” for not being described as overweight but there are people who have body dysmorphic disorder. They look at their body and don’t see it as it really is. It is a mental disorder and should be treated as such. I have experience with anorexia nervosa.

Mental institution for person until they get realistic view of their body.

Why argue with him..just walk away.

It’s almost an impossible situation. You told him he is thin, and now that’s all you can do, and I would not say much more probably. Let other people tell him he is too thin also, and maybe one day he will understand he has a problem.

Maybe he will go to a doctor one day for a check-up or minor illness and the doctor will say something, or hospitalize him on a 72 hour hold. I don’t know if they do holds for anorexia. If he fainted or God forbid has a heart attack (a real risk for severe anorexia) then they will hospitalize him.

Their life is probably at risk if they are very thin. It’s very sad. Hopefully, he is not extremely thin to the point of harming himself. Many Americans are so used to seeing overweight people that normal can look skinny now to some people.

Is this someone you know or not? You don’t like it when people assume a question you ask is about something you’re experiencing so I would answer differently if it were just a hypothetical.

Anorexia is as serious as cancer. Do whatever you can to help this person.

@Blackwater_Park Yes it is and I’m so glad I got help.

@RayaHope That’s a pretty heavy thing to go through. I’m glad you made it out.

@Blackwater_Park Thank you so much! I still have a little difficulty with some stuff but I am so much better now. I can’t say much but things seemed just normal until, well I got the help and it’s fine now.

If it affects his work, his employer might be able make treatment a condition of his employment.

I don’t think there is anything you can do except tell him that he need help and should also see a nutritionist. Don’t go into he’s too skinny when he sees himself as fat. Talk about healthy weight and how fat is necessary for our bodies. There is usually more behind self-hate and being fixated on what they think is the problem. Sometimes it’s something from years ago or something currently going on in their life. I’ve heard it’s more about control. But I know a young person who isn’t quite anorexic but I feel can teeter on it if he isn’t careful. He’s envious of his older brother’s slim bodies. They can eat all the time and not get fat, but he refuses to see that they are both also very energetic and active all the time. I don’t think he’s fat at all. Out of shape for such a young person but not fat. I think he can eat the way he normally does and can work out and develop muscles that will help burn more calories. But he just wants to be thin.

His parents are both fat shamers so I understand where his insecurities come from. I’ve spoken to both of them and they have made an effort to not be critical of people’s weight because he sees and hears that and not doubt feels like they must be ashamed of him. But I don’t know if the past is reversible. He’s heard it for years from them.

Well, my point is you don’t know what is behind your friend’s anorexia. Just refuse to talk about what is fat and what isn’t fat. Tell him to focus on being healthy. Being skinny doesn’t mean healthy, nor is being overweight always unhealthy. He should start with a physical.

He wants to browbeat you into accepting his version of reality? I’d say there’s nothing you can do. At some point he has to act on his own behalf, or not. For you, maybe it’s time to detach.

The person has no relationship to me.

Nothing. Stay away from him if you like.

If you’re in a position to get him the help that he needs, please do so. If you’re not close to him, I’d give him space without judgement.

@chefl, then it sounds like it’s not your business at all.

If this is more of an academic question for you than a life situation that you have to deal with, I’m inclined to suggest Google. Or a library book.

I would find it hard to tolerate a friend or acquaintance who “throws a tantrum” over something, anything. That would happen once with me and then never again because I’d probably not hang out with that person again.

I’m asking for someone else (who is related to him or freind, I don’t know) who can’t read or wirte adequately. (Edited)