Expert: Joanne - 12/7/2008

Question
QUESTION: hello!
im zack, im fourteen, im 5ft 2inches (i think), and weigh 5 stone 10 pounds.

i used to eat 300 cals aday, and i lost ALOT of weight.
currently i eat 1800 cals aday, and so probbily will put on weight.

during my under eating i slowed my body right down (starvation mode)

i feel the effects of it still ie. tiredness, lack of energy.

i was wondering how long will it be before im recovered and i have my energy back???

make any sense?
thanks
x


ANSWER: Zack

There is no set rule as to when your body will recover and your energy levels be better, it is just a matter of persevering.  It is great that you have increased your calorie intake to this level as this should mean that you should notice a change quicker than if you were slowly increasing calorie intake, providing you feel that you and your body are coping with this dramatic increase in calories.

At the moment, your body is focusing on rebuilding itself and repairing the damage caused by such a low intake previously.  This takes time.  It then will want to rebuild some stores.  Once this is complete, you should feel your energy levels begin to increase.  This time differs for everybody as there are so many things that it is dependent upon.

Why did you restrict your calorie intake so much though?  Did you do it for a specific reason, or do you think you were developing an eating disorder?  If you were developing an eating disorder, there is a chance that your tiredness and lack of energy aren't just about the physical effects of the lack of nutrition, but possibly even an indication of some degree of depression.  If you think that this is the case, please think about talking to someone about this!

Joanne

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thankyou Joanne for answering my question.
i did have an eating disorder (doctors say i still have it.)

i also think im a slight manic depressive, ill ask the doctors about it next time i see them.

is 1800 cals okay???  

Answer
Hey Zack,

That is definitely something to bring up with your doctors as if that is the case, then you should be able to get treatment for it, and that should help improve everything!

1800 calories should be fine, and is definitely ok if that is a value agreed with your doctor or anyone involved in your care.  If they recommend more, then please do try to eat more, same goes for if you do a lot of exercise - make sure you increase your calorie intake to match what you are burning off!

Joanne