Expert: Joanne - 5/23/2008

Question
i have just recovered from anorexia and i have put on a lot of weight now. i am overweight. i want to go on a diet again but do you think there is a high risk of me going back the way i was before. i just want to lose 2 stone

Answer
Jessica

If you are unhappy with your weight, and are definitely overweight rather than in the normal range, then I think it would be good for you to lose some weight to help prevent you returning to old behaviours as a means of trying to lose weight.

If you decide that you really want to lose weight, then you need to make sure that you do it in a safe manner!  Safe weight loss should be slow and steady and not involve severe restricting.

I would recommend visiting your Dr before you start in order to make sure that your body is healthy enough to start losing weight again first, and maybe ask for an appointment with a dietician in order to develop a meal plan that is healthy and should work.  If this isn't possible, maybe look into one of the weight loss group programmes as many of these have been developed with professional input - but again, speak to your Dr first.

I would recommend receiving some counselling or therapy if you haven't already as if you haven't dealt with the underlying issues that led to an eating disorder, you are always risking its return!

Joanne