A German Woman Named Therese Neumann Claimed She Went Her Entire Life Without Eating
In one extreme case of Anorexia Mirabilis, a German woman named Therese Neumann claimed that she had gone her entire life without eating anything except the Holy Eucharist. In 1918, Therese claimed that she became paralyzed after falling off of a stool. She was later injured again, completely losing her eyesight and becoming bedridden. In 1923, Therese claimed that her eyesight was miraculously restored and her paralysis was healed the day that Therese of Lisieux was recognized as a saint. She also claimed to have formed stigmata- holy wounds representing the Passion of Christ. Even though she claimed to never eat, many noted her “stocky build”. A doctor and nurse observed her for 15 days. During this time, she lost 10 pounds, but then “mysteriously” gained it back again- obviously when she returned to eating and drinking.