Concerned and don't know what to do...

[Jaded]

Last night I was at the gym and I saw a girl walk in and I was completely shocked. She was completely emaciated. I am not even exaggerating when I say that her thighs were about the size of my arms. Her face was sunken in, around her eyes was completely black, and I felt so horrible for her because I went through a time when I starved myself. Two seconds later I see her back at the front desk, and I couldnt figure out how she got back there so quickly... it turns out that it was twins. Identically dressed and identically emaciated.

I could be jumping to conclusions to think its an eating disorder, I dont know for a fact that they may not have other medical issues. However so many things seemed odd. Most twins don't even like to dress alike, and these girls were at least 25, their faces looked even a bit older and they were dressed identically, had the same haircut, same sneakers, everything. They had the same graying skim and sunken eyes, and they were so unhealthily thin.

I felt like the gym should intervene or something (at college the staff at the gym intervened for this one girl who was anorexic), and I just didn't know if there was any way to do something. I also don't know that something/someone they know has not already done something, of course. But I went through that, and they are at a point where I would bet I weigh more than the 2 of them combined.

Do any of you guys know of anything I can do/talk to/anything?

[OzLover]

Re: Concerned and don't know what to do...

Have you mentioned your concerns to the manager of the gym? One would think that the management would be concerned if the girls are working out in their gym. What if one of them passed out while on a treadmill etc... I guess that is where I would start.

[Jaded]

Re: Concerned and don't know what to do...

That is a good idea. I wish I had thought of it last night, because I don't know their names, maybe I can just give a heads up to someone tonight and mention that I was concerned about a set of twins I saw and if they can just make sure everything is ok if they see two girls that fit the description. Thanks gmitroff.

i don't know if I'm making to big a deal about it, but it really bothered to see them like that because I know what must be in their minds. It's such a sad situation (assuming they don't have another medical condition of some sort).

[Richt]

Re: Concerned and don't know what to do...

Its a strange one, as I am not sure what you can do. I guess a lot of people, (possibly at the gym, and the two girls) would say its not really any of your business.

But you are right to be concerned. Its a tricky situation. PLease let us know how it pans out.

Rich

[Jaded]

Re: Concerned and don't know what to do...

I understand it really isn't my business. But when you are in such a mindset you don't see what you are really doing to yourself. I've been there, I've had that sunken look in my face and I didn't even know it until my roommates sat me down. I thought they had no idea I wasn't eating and I thought I was looking a maybe a little thinner. They told me the way my face looked they thought I was going to die.

I was lucky enough for people to care enough to say something before I did serious damage to myself. I still have stomach problems b/c of it, and I was never to the extreme that these girls were. These girls I saw really need help. I know it's not my place, but how can I just sit and watch their demise?