Did Olga become anorexic in exile?

[RomaFan96]

Olga was already thin by the time of the revolution, but it's been said that she lost even more weight during the family's exile. I imagine she was depressed and probably not eating so is it possible she became anorexic? Does anyone have any information about the girls' figures during exile?

[amartin71718]

Anorexic? No. Depressed? Absolutely. Speaking from experience, depression messes with a person's appetite a lot. You lose the will to do anything. She became depressed in 1915. So 3 years of that, combined with the bouts of measles she and her siblings went through in exile, you can imagine the toll that took on her physical health.

[Sanochka]

Adding to that, there wasn't much to eat.  The days of sumptuous zakouski, and dinner tables laden with royal feasts expertly prepared by master chefs using the finest ingredients Russia provided were a thing of the past.  Judging from descriptions and hand-written menus, the imperial captives' fare was mean and scant, with eggs, sugar, and coffee suddenly elevated to luxury items, and only sporadically available.  What was available to the IF in captivity would hardly tempt the palate, especially of suffering from depression, and probably acute anxiety as well.

[RomaFan96]

I understand the IF were on reduced rations in captivity but I think they still had it far better than your average Russian at that time. Avdeyev used to allow them to have pastries and Grand Duchess Serge once sent them chocolate. I can understand how, to them, it seemed like a huge downgrade but I don't think they had it *that* bad in captivity when compared to the meals of other Russians.

[Kassafrass]

I can see where you might think anorexic, but I believe Olga's weight loss cannot be attributed to that. As you probably know, anorexia is often due to poor body image and believing that you are heavier than you are and that you must maintain a specific weight. Olga, being severely depressed, likely did not have the will to eat and that caused her weight loss. So instead of Olga thinking that she was growing too large she simply did not want to eat. Olga was always thin and svelte, in my humble opinion, and while people who are anorexic very often do not see themselves as outsiders see them, I don't think Olga had much to worry about in that area and therefore she didn't, especially when it came to her captivity. There was so much more to be anxious over and be upset by.

So, I'm agreeing with amartin

Anorexic? No. Depressed? Absolutely. Speaking from experience, depression messes with a person's appetite a lot. You lose the will to do anything. She became depressed in 1915. So 3 years of that, combined with the bouts of measles she and her siblings went through in exile, you can imagine the toll that took on her physical health.