Thankyou all very much for your help I am going to print this out for my friend, she will love knowing that there are people out there that care.

It is tough sweetie.  Some do hide it very well.

I was almost the same age when I developed an eating disorder, but I wasn't worried about body image or losing weight, more it was a case of I was trying to deal with school, living out of home and the trivial problems of my friends (who would expect me to drop everything for them, but never had time for me).  I lost weight quickly, without noticing it, and got to the point after 2 years where I was threatened by my gp that she would get a court order to have me sent to a rehab facility.  I struggled to put the weight back on, and even though I tried to eat healthily, if anyone would tell me to eat more, I refused and would skip meals because of it.

Food for me, became something I could control, and I didn't really start making much progress until Les and I got together about 7 years ago.  Even today, it can be a constant battle if I am feeling stressed.

Are you able to talk to her about it?  Your local youth services will be a great source of info on the matter (hahahahahaha!!!! Overly so!!!!) and might even run self esteem programs for young women that look at eating habits, diet and body image.

Oh hunni, there are alot of warning signs, my sis just went thru this this past 2 years.  Minti mail me and we can talk.   Hang in there.  But what you have noticed already are signs that something is going on....

there is no way to really know, but try talking to her see if she seems upset or depressed if she doesnt want to talk to you then talk to your local gp about your concerns he/she maybe able to give you some advce on what to look out for and how to help her.

Ps I meant to say I was writing this for my friend lol. As far as I know I dont have a 17yr old daughter. Lol