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[cruzcontrol]

I have several students male/female who do not want to eat lunch because they are afraid to gain wt.

I have a fifth grade boy who leaves his tray untouched. I have tried speaking to them about nutrition and growing bodies. I am wondering are there sites I can go to where I can print up about nurtrition and need for energy,things like that.

Help,

Btw: I spoke to some parents who did not seem very concerned and one actually laughed and said " he looks better thin" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jolie, BSN]

I'm sorry to say this, but there is nothing you can print up that will make a difference. If you've started with a private conversation and not gotten anywhere, and spoke to the parents without getting anywhere, I would go to the counselor.

Many kids signal a need for help without success before they progress into an eating disorder. It is crucial to catch them in this phase, and often it is their peers who notice and call things to the attention of adults.

In my experience, it is the adults who need the wake-up call. Bless you for trying to help.

I wish someone had noticed and taken steps with my 2 sisters and me.

[geocachingRN]

I have only encountered one anorexic boy that was in counseling and at the end of last year had made some improvement. In my new district, I understand "Ana" and "Ed" are rampant. I'm very new dealing with super competitive young athletes whose parents condone this behavior. Unfortunately with the internet, it is soo very easy to instantly find reinforcing pro-ana or ed websites.

These are personal story blogs that might be helpful:

http://prorecoveryana.blogspot.com/2011/08/blog-post.html

http://anadeath.webs.com/

http://board.ringsworld.com/post-86008.html

I remember an EVP article from awhile ago that stated anorexia can delay the onset of menstruation and if severe enough over time will mess things up permanently.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I agree - if the parents are minimizing this, then you have to take a different approach. Get guidance involved or your SAC if you have one. The problem will only spiral out of control if not taken seriously now. Perhaps if the parents hear it from another mouth too, they will realize this isn't you being neurotic.