Eating disorder concerns

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

What do you all do when there is suspicion of an eating disorder in a student?  We had several students come to the guidance counselor over concerns of their friend no longer getting lunch.  She has started dressing in very baggy clothing as well.  Guidance counselor has asked me to weigh her and compare it to her weight from December and if there is a weight loss she wants to contact the students mom.

Wanted input on how you all approach this before I go that route (weighing the student before calling)...

Also any guidance on how to approach this type of phone call?

 

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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..

I would contact the student's parent first.  Let her know there has been a concern raised and ask if it is okay to weigh the student and, if there is a change, to refer her to the counselor.  The parent may be noticing changes at home and not know how to approach it.

 

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Yes, I would go to the parent first as well.   Parents should follow up with doctor.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Women's Health,School Nursing.

Update:  Called mom who states student has been so busy with all the recent activities and is a super picky eater.  I asked if she would like me to weigh her daughter and compare it to my BMI screening in December, she requested I do this.  I weighed the student there was a 10lb weight loss.  I called mom back who had already made an appt with her family doctor for later in the week.  So there was a pretty good weight loss for this student who is already on the smaller side.  Mom said she was going to talk to student tonight and follow up with the doctor. 

 

5 hours ago, Csn2016 said:

What do you all do when there is suspicion of an eating disorder in a student?  We had several students come to the guidance counselor over concerns of their friend no longer getting lunch.  She has started dressing in very baggy clothing as well.  Guidance counselor has asked me to weigh her and compare it to her weight from December and if there is a weight loss she wants to contact the students mom.

Wanted input on how you all approach this before I go that route (weighing the student before calling)...

Also any guidance on how to approach this type of phone call?

 

 

2
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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..
10 minutes ago, Csn2016 said:

Update:  Called mom who states student has been so busy with all the recent activities and is a super picky eater.  I asked if she would like me to weigh her daughter and compare it to my BMI screening in December, she requested I do this.  I weighed the student there was a 10lb weight loss.  I called mom back who had already made an appt with her family doctor for later in the week.  So there was a pretty good weight loss for this student who is already on the smaller side.  Mom said she was going to talk to student tonight and follow up with the doctor. 

 

 

Good job, @Csn2016!  and, thanks for the update. ?

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