Worried about Anorexia coming back

[ahoyhayes]

My girlfriend use to have anorexia when she was younger. She managed to sort it out and put weight back on. But then she had a car accident and which hurt her back and made her stop exercising as much as she wanted to. She has put on more weight due to the lack of exercise.
She has always been careful with what she eats and normally eats less calories then required. She is getting more and more frustrated as she can still not lose the weight. She is now saying that she feels like she use to when she became anorexic. Over the last few days she has started refusing to eat but does give in to her hunger, which is a good thing but it stills make be worry that she will stop eating completely.
I really want to help her to be happy. But I know the only way she will be happy if she loses a stone and a half. (which will make her 8st. she is only 5ft 2) So I know that she has a weight limit and i know that is what she wants.
I'm just worried as she said the only way to do lose weight is to stave herself like she did before.
I need help as to what to do. I'm happy the way she is but she is not. I can not force feed her because that would make her worst! So I need to encourage her to eat but also to lose weight otherwise what ever I do to help her I think she will get worst!
The other problem is that we both like our food and everytime I eat she wants some. I can't not give her some otherwise she gets in a mood, i'm trying not to eat around her which will stop her eating rubbish like me but we are together all the time so I get hungry and pig out.
Its a very hard situation i'm in but I just don't want her to stop eating but then she wont be happy until she loses weight.
any feedback would be very much helpful.

[Doc Spock]

So much for that, seems a shame after all that typing.

[Goodsoulette]

Is swimming out of the question?

Eat with her, cook for her and just do her grilled fish or chicken and salad and jacket spuds and stuff like that.

[FluffyFairy]

Ahhh i completely understand where you are coming from. I have a friend in a very similar situation. She too has suffered from Anorexia in the past and i know not being able to excercise really freaks her out. I often try and eat with her, always healthy stuff i must add (which is not really me!). The only advice i can offer to you is to just be there for her, reassure her and try and occupy her anxieties, that way it keeps her mind off wanting to exercise. I have learnt so much about this illness and i now know any signs my friend shows as sinking back in to her old habits, try your best to pick up on these and never let it get a hold of her again. She needs to understand that to lead a normal life she must be a healthy weight and if you can help her believe that things will be ok! Sounds like she is very lucky to have you! Be patient.

[ahoyhayes]

Cheers Fluffy Fairy,

I know that the question was very long winded but I think I just had to get it off my chest. I didnt want to get friends or family involved at this time.
She is actually up for swimming as she said that it doesnt hurt her back which is a good sign. (although i'm no good at swimming but its a start)
I may be jumping to conclusions but i would rather tackle it now then a few months down the road when she could be alot worst. She knows that she has got me and my family to look after her.
I do think its a case of depression aswell but I can't even mention that to her due to her family problems.
I will just try and take her mind off all her problems and it would be alright! Sadly its easier said then done!
But thank you very much for your comments and any more feedback would be grateful.