Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 10/19/2009

Question
I've struggled with anorexia for about 4 years now and am currently 20 years old, 5'3 and 93ish pounds. My question pertains to uncontrolable weight gain. I seems as though no matter what I eat, if I don't work out (and and I burn at least 750 calories per workout, combination of the elliptical and bike) I seem to gain weight. People tell me this may be water weight, however, it does not go away unless I work it off and burn even more the next day (I've been known to burn up to 1750 calories on various machines in one day, plus walking). How is this possible? I rarley eat more that 600 calories as day and a majority of this is chewed up and spit out...and I account for the excess of this in my calorie count and rinse my mouth with every spit. I know I am thin, but I cannot handle having tow work out for hours on end, barley eat anything, and still gain weight! This is VERY distressing and I do not understand how this works. I'm sick of working so hard for something with no results. I mean, I don't want to lose more weight, I just what to know I can eat like a normal person and not gain a couple pounds in a day (literally, I have gained 2 pounds in one day from eating next to nothing and working out like crazy). What is the biological reason for this? If there is 3500 calories in a pound of fat, how can I be gaining this much on so little? Its been like this for a year now, and everyday, or almost everyday, I've been burning MINIMUM 750 calories and eating much less than that, and staying within a 4 pound range. Whats going on?

Ella

Answer
Dear Ella,

I'm so glad that you wrote me!

When an eating disorder begins, it is terrific!  It seems to be a great coping mechanism and we feel so good when someone tells us how good we look as we lose weight.

Then the eating disorder begins to take its toll with the beginning of physical consequences-- and this is exactly what is happening with you. Your body has literally gone into starvation mode.  Your metabolism has shut down almost completely.  Your body feels like it's being starved and doesn't want to lose any weight.

You have an eating disorder -- anorexia and exercise bulimia.  When you begin to refeed yourself, you will gain weight -- and you'll be uncomfortable for a period of time.  What you really need to do is to see a therapist and a nutritionist so you can have the expert advise on what your diet should be to get your metabolism up and running again.

Please let me know how you do!  I know you'll probably be disappointed in my answer, but I have to give you the truth as I see it!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Programs
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com