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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/am i gonna be short or will i grow

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/18/2009


Question
Ok when I turned 13 I became anorexic and barley ate anything...I went from 95 to about 82 pounds...during the summer I got treatment and got my weight up to 90 pounds...when I went to school that year all the way to december I still didn't eat much at all but more than I used to so I didn't lose weight..but it was still very little...then from january to june I didn't eat as much but I would have some times where I would binge...from those months I gained about 10 pounds.. The over this summer I ate a little more and around october I was back to eating totally normal...I got my period right before I was anorexic and lost it..I've gained it since october...oh and from the summer to now I've gained another 10 pounds..  My parents are around 5"6 and 5"7....will I be able to reach around that height or will end up being short at 5ft..I'm turnin 15 in january....I'm just concerned cuz before anorexia I was fine but after my legs look too short for my body and I feel as if I stunted them from growing.

Answer

jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Lauren,

It's wonderful that you've gotten well.  It is one of the hardest things to do -- recover from anorexia!  

Yes, you will grow -- from what you're describing to be, there is no doubt.  Girls can continue to grow up to age 21!  You should start shooting up any time.  Just keep being healthy -- that's the key!

Let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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