The harsh remedy felt extreme, but parents resort to desperate acts to help their children the best way they know how. I have heard of an eating disorder such as this that is not fault of the person, but a gene deficiency that can't be cured, only controlled. Consulting a witch in this case was problematic, I feel, in that you never know the result in this hit or miss remedy.
Unfortunately, Maria and her family will now know her as a true glutton. Thanks for sharing this story. Take care.