There is a young women at our local YMCA who is clearly anorexic- she is wasting away, her workout clothes are falling down. I am not the only one who has noticed it. I would guess she is around 85 lbs and 5'2 or so. Her size makes her look like a child but her face is gaunt and old looking. Apparently she is 30 yrs old, has had the problem since her teens. Her parents are involved in the anorexia society. She works out every day for long periods of time, sometimes she can barely hold herself up. We are afraid if we say something to her it won't be received well or she will just go exercise somewhere else. Also she has been dealing with this for years so clearly knows the consequences- but it is so hard to watch this happen.

This post caught my eye, I hope it's okay to post here?

Are you a staff member or a general member? If a general member I'd bring it to the attention of the staff, and have the others do so as well. Really, it's their job to monitor what goes on at the gym. If a staff member, I'd put it in the hands of the director and make sure that the issue is addressed. I'm sure it wouldn't be the first time such has happened at a gym.

aww, If I were in your spot, I'd watch her for a few more days, and then if you see her about to fall, from barely being able to stand up, you could go up and ask if she's okay, then start up conversation, and/or tell her that you're worried about her. I know I'm really young, but if it's a woman, and someone expresses care, I'm pretty sure she won't take offense.
Hope it all works out okay! =)

I hope it's OK for me to post here? I heartily agree with what Lyss posted but you should also be prepared that she takes it the wrong way. The core of anorexia is that your thinking about weight and eating and exercise is totally twisted. It is very well possible that she doesn't think she is wasting away at all, on the contrary - she was fat and now she's losing, a good thing, right? You should say something about it but don't be discouraged if her reaction is not very nice.

I don't think you saying anything to her is going to make one bit of difference. The only person who can help this girl is somebody who specializes in eating disorders. Whatever you say, she's going to hate her body and continue. It's horrible to see, but unless you suggest she seeks professional help, I don't think there's anything you can say that is going to help.

Agreed.

I used to work for an athletic facility and this does happen from time to time. Once, a girl did collapse on the treadmill because she hadn't eaten that day. They learned that aside from being inappropriate to say something to her (you really cannot diagnose someone as anorexic even if they look like it), it wouldn't have any effect on them whatsoever and opens the facility up for legal action. It is sad to see, but unless the facility sees a reason to cancel her membership because it's causing some sort of problem, there isn't much you can do. I mean, I see homeless alcoholics on the street all the time and know they would either find it hilarious and laugh in my face or be shamed if I tried to "save them". I know from personal experience that strangers who approached me about my weight risked being smacked upside the head.

Thanks. I think everyone is right. It won't help if I say anything because her body image is so distorted and this has been going on for many years. She knows she has the disease - I guess the reality is it is like seeing someone who is a diabetic and isn't eating properly it isn't my business nor is it going to help if I intervene. It is just so tragic to watch, and you want to help but can't.