A young woman in Karlsruhe, Germany, is sharing her story of recovery from a debilitating eating disorder that began with a new job and a desire for control. Laura De Nardis, now 25, found herself restricting her calorie intake to as little as 400-500 calories per day, a fraction of the 1,900 calories recommended for young women her age, even those with sedentary lifestyles, according to German health authorities.
De Nardis’ struggle began several years ago when she started a position as a social worker. “I have tried to be very efficient, to control myself,” she recalled, describing feeling overwhelmed by the sudden responsibilities of her new role. She sought a sense of accomplishment and found she could exert control over her food intake. This led to meticulously tracking her meals and a rigorous exercise regimen, ultimately consuming her daily life. “I had no head for work, for social contacts, for myself, for what I actually perceive,” she said.
The severe calorie restriction took a significant toll on her physical health. De Nardis experienced gastrointestinal problems, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, and declining vision. She was perpetually cold, relying on a hot water bottle that ultimately caused burns on her abdomen. She now lives with osteopenia, a precursor to osteoporosis, leaving her bones vulnerable to fractures.
The turning point came after a collapse at work during an on-call shift. While responding to a child welfare emergency, De Nardis realized she had no energy left. “I hadn’t slept for nights,” she explained. “And then I told her, ‘I just can’t anymore.’”
Prior to her collapse, De Nardis’ mother had repeatedly expressed concern about her daughter’s behavior, longing for information and a clear path to help her. “It was a months-long process that dragged on and on,” said Sonja Gion-De Nardis, who attempted to engage her daughter by sharing meals, cooking together, and trying to re-establish a regular eating pattern. A shopping trip with her mother revealed the extent of the problem when De Nardis asked her mother to take in a pair of XS-sized pants that were too large.
Professional help was sought at the Beratungs- und Informationsstelle bei Essstörungen (BESS) in Karlsruhe. De Nardis participated in an online support group, underwent inpatient treatment, and continues to attend weekly therapy sessions. “I can only control the eating disorder if I also allow myself to feel my emotions,” she stated.
While the eating disorder is not fully resolved, De Nardis acknowledges it remains a daily challenge. “I have to eat, and I can’t abstain like with alcohol addiction,” she said. She now volunteers with the Freundeskreis Suchthilfe, a local addiction support organization, and shares her story at schools and clinics to help others. “I want to give a voice to the eating disorder that is inside me.”
According to Alexandra Nägeli of BESS, eating disorders often develop during adolescence, particularly within the school environment. “I often see cases within a class, because they talk to each other and sometimes egg each other on,” she noted. Nägeli also reported a significant increase in eating disorders following the COVID-19 pandemic, when school closures disrupted routines and led some young people to seek control through diet and exercise.
Nägeli also indicated an increasing number of boys are presenting with eating disorders, though the manifestation differs from girls, often involving excessive muscle-building and protein intake. She recounted an instance where a teacher contacted BESS concerned about students consuming up to ten eggs a day.
BESS advises parents to seek help if they observe drastic changes in their child’s eating habits, such as weighing food, counting calories, eliminating food groups, or experiencing loss of control leading to binge eating. The organization recommends open communication and, if concerns persist, professional evaluation by a pediatrician or a specialized counseling center.
