Expert: Joanne - 1/8/2008

Question
Hi,

I've been struggling with anorexia for about 2.5 years and within my first 6 months dropped to 76 pounds (that was when i was 16 and I am now 18, turning 19 this year, and weigh about 100 pounds at 5'2.5). Anways, after the first drop I had my weight restored but started struggling again. And dropped again to about 97 pounds. I had maintained that weight for about a year until now when I have realized that y weight it going up without me trying. I cut back on calories and see to still be gaining weight from eating as little as 300 calories a day and getting excersise throough walking and about 500 juping jacks a day. Therefore, I do not undertand how I seem to be gaining weight. The excersise I am doing I'm pretty sure is not enough to result in muscle building, therefore that is not the cause. My question is, how does this make sense to happen? Can a metabolism ACTUALLY slow down that much to burn less than 300 calories? And if I were to start eating normally, say 1 200 calories a day for now, would I be dooed to gain a trillion pounds in like 2 days? This is very frustrating and I can't seem to figure it out. Also, I've heard of the whole throid problem that could be causing it, but there is NO histiry in mu family of anyone having such a problem and I myself have never had problems with it either. So ya, how is this possible, would I gain a trillion pounds be eating 1 200 calories, and is it possible for a metabolism to slow down to as little as 300 (would you happen to the smallest aount of calories burnt my an anorexic then?)

Your help or even some insight would really be appreciated. I don't really have anyone else to turn and seeing the number rising with an un explained causing is REALLY getting to me.

Thanks.

(Also, the gain from 97 to 100 wasn't even gradual, it kinda happened in less than a week).

Answer
Braydon Ava

You have to try not to worry about the 97-100 thing!  You have to remember to take into account things such as water fluctuations.  When you start eating more again, your body tends to store more water than it did when you were starving yourself!

A trillion pounds in 2 day?  I think you need to try to look at this rationally, which I know is not easy.  Yes, you will most likely gain weight, but this should be done at a rate that you and your body can cope with!

Have you ever received any help for this?  I think that you should consider talking to your Dr, a teacher, your parents, etc.  You need help for this, and preferably soon!

Your metabolism can slow down greatly when your body has been starved, and it sounds as though your body is beginning to stop spending energy on processes that aren't completely essential to life.  Eating so few calories, your body will be storing all that it can from the food, and will be breaking down muscle tissue within your body  to fuel what it does need to fuel - including the heart (it's muscle tissue to, so is fair game!).

Please think about increasing what you are eating, and getting some professional help before you cause yourself major health complications!

All the best
Holly