anorexic raw foodist

Question
Have you heard of any anorexic raw foodists?  I know a man who is 29 yr.old..a Dad of a five yr. old son and a junior in college studying science.  He weighs only 121 pounds and is five feet ten and a half inches.  What do you think?  Could he be anorexic at that weight and height?  He is afraid of eating much fat..says it makes him feel bad.  He eats a half an avocado every other day for his fat.  Other than that, it is just fruit (including tomatoes and bell peppers)  I am concerned for his health.  The nurse practitioner has seen him three times in the last  month and a half and the doctor will see him the end of July.  The nurse said he could pass out or have a heart attack since his heart is weak from his low weight.  What should we do?  He will only listen to the dietician at the hospital half way...he now eats avocado, but she said to do it every day he works out (which is every day) and he refuses to follow every day.  and he won't eat any nuts now, says maybe he'll feel like that in the winter.  

Help!  -concerned friend and mother of the five year old
(we are separated)

Answer
Hi, Kayla...

First, let me say that your concern is commendable.  Many more people should take an interest in their friends and family to help them be fit and healthy.

With that said, let me try to answer the questions one at a time.

I have never heard of any anorexic raw foodists.  That isn't to say they don't exist, I just don't know any.  It's possible to be anorexic no matter what the primary diet plan is.  So, being a raw foodist is not inherently bad.  Anyone who is a raw foodist does need to eat a lot of food to avoid weighing too little.

Now, I'm not a doctor, however, from what you've said, it does sound like this man has an unhealthy relationship with food.  It could be anorexia.  It could be some other manifestation of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Whatever the underlying disorder, he cannot be forced to do anything.  That's the bad news.  Unfortunately, man adults with eating disorders do not receive help and will not accept help until they are hospitalized for a complication of the disorder.

It does sound like the weight is way too low for a man of his height.

What I would suggest is that you gather family and friends and a professional who can guide you through an intervention.  This will allow you all to voice your concerns, offer a solution, demand action on his part, and help him to begin to understand how harmful his behavior is to himself and those around him, particularly his children.  Contact a pastor, counselor, or trained interventionist in your area to help you all set this up.

Remember to always be a source of support, not judgment.  Most of those with eating disorders can overcome them with proper help.  However, it is important that he gets help and understands why he must get it.

I hope this helps.  Good luck.

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