Last year, during weight-check in school, my friend realised she was 50kg and totally freaked out: she cried, even. But it's not like she's fat or anything: she's healthy weight. Usually, she eats a fair bit but from then on she began to cut back quite noticeably. I had suspicions really early, and sometimes me or my other friends would indirectly ask if anything was wrong, but she would deny any notion of a problem developing.

This year, my other friends all went to a different class together so it's just me and that friend together. Thing is: she's lost the weight but still continues to eat pretty little. Like, she eats one nutritional bar or half an apple or one sandwich(one slice folded with a bit of tuna) to sustain her throughout the day. Our school days can stretch up to 10 to 11 hours if we have to stay back.

I honestly worry about her. I don't know if I'm just paranoid because she DOES eat, just little(to me, and some other people have commented too). And it seems that she tries to reassure me by recounting to me what a spread she had at home, or how she ate a cheesecake that was "this big" with a bit too much enthusiasm. Lately, it's also beginning to piss me off a little because sometimes she'd stare at me or someone else eating and when I'd ask if anything's up she'd say nothing.

I'm sorry that this is a really long post but I really don't know what to do because she's pretty much the closest friend I have in class and I don't want my paranoia to ruin our friendship.

I wouldn't say your worries are unfounded, first off. It definitely seems like she has some worrying eating habits. Sometimes I will eat like that, if I have eaten at home in the morning, but it's also common for people with eating disorders to make excuses such as this, even though they may not be true.

I think one way you could go at this would be to talk to her parents. They can monitor what she eats at home much better than you can, and they may be able to tell you if something really is going on. I doubt they would mind if you told them your concerns, because generally parents want to help their kids.

In terms of your friend, I think the best thing to do is to just support her as much as you can. Sometimes it works to flat out ask someone about eating disorders, but in this case, it doesn't seem like she's especially willing to talk. She might just get defensive. But, if you let her know she can talk to you, and you'll support her, then she may be willing to open up on her own terms.

I think the main thing here is to just keep an eye on her, and tell an adult if you're really worried. =)

For now, I would just pay attention to things she says. If she talks about her weight a lot and gets defensive when you bring up the subject, you may need to talk to an adult. Also, pay attention to her weight.

But if she's just not eating much at school, it may not be cause for concern. I eat all the time at home, but hardly ever at school, for example.

Don't talk to her just yet, wait a while. If her habits continue then tell an adult, her parents would be best.

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