For example, avoid raising your concerns when the person is trying to get ready for work or school. Instead, arrange to talk to them on the weekend or a couple hours after they have gotten off work or arrived home from school. The conversation may also go better if you plan to have it somewhere that the person will feel safe and comfortable, such as at home in your living room or at a favorite cafe. [2] X Research source

Say something to voice your concern, such as, “I am concerned because I have noticed that you are not eating. ” Or say, “Your health is deteriorating and I am very worried about you. ” Consider asking another concerned family member or friend to talk to the person with you. Having multiple people express concern can make more of an impact than just one voice.

Try asking about their emotions, such as by saying, “How have you been feeling lately?” Understand that the person may not recognize they have an issue with food at all. They may see poor self-image as the problem, for example. [5] X Research source Avoid placing emphasis on food. For example, don’t ask the person, “Why aren’t you eating any more?” Or, “What kinds of foods would you like to eat?”

Put away all devices and turn off things that might distract you, such as the television or your computer. Make eye contact and nod your head to show you are paying attention. You can also make neutral statements to show you are listening, such as by saying, “mhmm,” “yes,” “I see,” and “go on. ” Ask questions to get them to expand and/or clarify their meaning. For example, you could ask a question for clarity, such as, “It sounds like you are saying that you feel lonely since changing schools. Is that right?”

Try saying something supportive, such as, “I love you for who you are and I care about your well-being,” or, “I want to help you because I love you. ”

Eat 3 meals per day and include healthy snacks as well. Don’t talk about calories or other nutritional aspects of the foods you choose. Just enjoy eating your meals. Say positive things about your body, such as, “I love my hair today!” or, “I like the way my legs look in these pants. ”

Avoid giving ultimatums, such as by saying things like, “You have to eat dinner or you can’t go to the dance,” or, “If you don’t eat lunch, I am not speaking to you for the rest of the day. ” Don’t tell the person to “just eat” or to “snap out of it” either. Remember that they are not simply choosing not to eat. There is a lot going on emotionally that is causing them to avoid food.

Prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the person and offer it to them on a plate or in a bowl. If possible, do not allow them to dish out their own serving because they will likely put much less food on their plate than they need. Sit with them while they eat and eat your meal during this time as well.

Try saying something like, “I love you and I will not let you go hungry. ” Or you could say, “I care about you too much to watch you suffer. ”

Try saying something like, “I think that it would be a good idea for you to see your doctor and make sure that you are healthy. I can call your doctor and make an appointment for you if you like. ” Or you could say, “When was your last physical? I could schedule one for you if it has been a while. ”

Try saying something like, “Talking to someone who is knowledgeable about eating disorders could be helpful. Would you like me to help you find a therapist?” Or you could say, “Therapy is an important part of recovery from an eating disorder. Let’s look into local therapists who have experience helping people with eating disorders and make an appointment for you. ”

Look into eating disorder treatment programs in your region and outside of the area as well. Try to find a program that might appeal to the person if they are resistant to the idea. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. This is usually the case when the person is severely malnourished, dehydrated, or experiencing an irregular heartbeat. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source