Expert: Joanna Lhulier, Psy.D. - 5/4/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm in the process of recovering from an eating disorder (like a mild
anorexia). My scalp and skin became rather dry, which made me nervous, so I
went in to see a university nutritionist and she weighed me in at 98.5 lbs (I
had been 105-107 roughly 1.5 months before). She has me on a diet (1300
calories) to regain weight, which went fine for the first few days but now I feel
like I'm beginning to gain weight like crazy which scares me and has made me
start to cheat by reducing the amount of food. I don't know if this is fluid
retention, my metabolism trying to recover, or if my weight will plateau after
a while (I'm aiming for 105 lbs). What do you think? Should I try to increase
my caloric intake at a slower rate (I used to eat around 500 calories a day,
usually) or should I keep going with this diet and hope it evens out? Thanks!
Lauren



ANSWER: Hi Lauren-
Congrats on starting the recovery process!  You did not mention how tall you are so it is a little difficult for me to answer your question very specifically.  Gaining weight is to be expected in fact as your body adjusts you will likely go up and down a bit.  If 1300 feels like too much talk to your nutritionist and see if you can move to 1100 and then in two weeks go up to 1300.  Keep in mind this is a tough road, and it is going to be scary no matter what.  I think it might help if you see a therapist as well.  Let me know if you need help finding one.  Hang in there and best of luck.
Dr. Lhulier

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

QUESTION: I am 5'1", so I wasn't dangerously thin but weighed less than I probably should
have. I guess what I'm really wondering is: about how long will it take for
everything to even out and for my body to recover from the other symptoms?
Thanks for the advice!

Answer
Hi Lauren-
I think you should expect the evening out process to take a few months (probably at least 3-4).  I realize that this seems like a long time, and in fact, you may find that you even out sooner which would be great.  I wish you the best of luck.
Dr. Lhulier