Hello.

My family and I are concerned for my sister. A little background - she is 25 and has struggled with weight her most of her life. I am 10 years older and have never had too much trouble with weight.

She has struggled since she was probably around 10. I would say she is has trouble with food.

We love her dearly and she is a great person.

She does some exercise, but I don’t think that is the problem. The overeating is the problem.

Can The Emily Program help her?

Thanks for your question.  The Emily Program does work with individuals with overeating issues.  We will work to develop a personalized program for her that will help her with overeating.  We offer a range of services that she would be able to access including individual therapy, group therapy, nutrition counseling, and more.  If she decides to seek services with us, she just needs to call and set up an initial appointment.  Please call 651-645-5323.

Thank you! Now I am on to tackling how to tell her. Every time we try to she just doesn’t want to talk about it. And that is because it hurts so bad. She doesn’t want to be this way, yet I think it is just too overwhelming to fix it. But I also know it can and has to be done. If anyone has any advice on how to get started or how hard it was to get started, I would be grateful.

Being a compulsive overeater myself, I would say to offer her the information about the Emily Program.  Let her know it is not a diet program, but a loving and supportive place she can receive help.  Then, let it be her decision.  Do it with love and support and avoid being confrontive or judging.  If your sister decides she is not ready to get help, as hard as it is…let it go.  It is a marvelous and wonderful place and I have been blessed to have been referred by my therapist.  It did take me years to actually embrace recovery.  Good luck!!

Here is a list of resources, I’m sure that somewhere there is advice on talking with a family member with an eating disorder!
http://annawestinhouse.com/resources/

Also, I know this website is for drug and alcohol addiction (eating disorders can also be seen as addiction), but here is advice on writing an intervention letter (there is also advice on having an intervention and other things):
http://www.lovefirst.net/xarticles/article4.htm
I have had to use the lovefirst website and found it very useful.

I really like the way you are adamant to stop your sister from overeating, out of your affection, as this will result in multiple health problems for her. I would recommend you to give her food with less fat or calories. And if you can tempt her into doing some yoga or meditation, this will help her in overcoming eating habits. Wishing you luck.

borisclark-

As someone with an eating disorder, I complete disagree with your statement.

This isn’t about “bad habits”. It’s an illness that needs medical attention.

chickadee - 30 September 2010 10:40 AM

borisclark-

As someone with an eating disorder, I complete disagree with your statement.

This isn’t about “bad habits”. It’s an illness that needs medical attention.

I totally agree with you chickadee!

This is about an illness.  If she COULD stop overeating, she WOULD.  But, she CAN’T because ED has a hold on her. 

Seek professional help—don’t try to be a professional when you’re not—because I guarantee you, YOU will make it worse and you will alienate yourself from your sister.

I really like the way you are adamant to stop your sister from overeating

AsheofLotus - 30 September 2010 03:05 PM

Just to throw another “It’s not about food” voice in there, I can’t say that “healthier substitutions” will make an ED as crippling as COE (or anything of them) reduce or go away. In fact, in my experience, reinforcing correction of the ED with food/weight-related items have only exacerbated the problem and caused further isolation and damage.

Be compassionate; be knowledgeable; be supportive. (((hugs)))

Totally THIS!  TOTALLY!