Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 12/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm 16 and am currently trying to fix my metabolism after slowing it significantly from losing quite a bit of weight. I'm about 5'5 and during the period of last nov to aug went from 112lbs to about 95lbs. Then when parents/professionals etc. noticed, I had to gain the weight back and am now about back to what I was at the start.

I got down to eating about 300 -400cal a day at my lowest, gradually decreasing to this amount. When I was initally made to regain the weight I think my metabolism went into hypermetabolism because I needed about 2500 to gain about 800g a week. When I left the clinic I was in at 108lbs I immediately cut down my intake to about a quarter unfortunately - to about 700cal . I think this absolutely halted my metabolism so in the following couple of weeks when I ate about 1000cal I gained quite quickly.

Now I just want to return my metabolism to normal without gaining anymore because I have reached my set weight I think now. I want to be able to eat about 1500-1700 and just maintain. Oh and I'm not meant to exercise so that won't really help.

Also could you help me relate the 'set point' idea to my situation. I mean I thought 112lbs was mine because I had maintained that weight for years with little effort or thought. Now however I am being told I need to be much more, like 121bs. Does this mean that my set point is altered? Is there any way I can return my metabolism to normal whilst staying at 112lbs?

Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Dear Sophie,

The best way to return your metabolism to normal is to keep eating.  Why aren't you allowed to exercise right now?  Is your weight still too low?
Walking would be a great activity to help jump-start your metabolism --

One of the things about metabolisms is that after they've been thrown into starvation mode, it can take awhile for them to start up again.  It's different for each person.  Just keep eating the foods on your plan, find out when you can start walking, and then your body will decide when it's going to do what you'd like!!  Not terribly scientific -- but bodies will do what they're going to do!!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol Recovery Centers
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
888-520-1700

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

QUESTION: Thanks,
I'm not meant to do any exercise because since the aim is weight gain, it is assumed that ANY exercise at all will interfer with this. So do you think my weight is going to settle at a higher weight than i've had before, perhaps because it fears another energy decrease?

Answer
The main thing for you to do first, Sophie, is to get well.  Get over the eating disorder.  Let your metabolism come back to life.  When this has all happened, and you're cured from the eating disorder, then you can decide what size you want to be and do it in a healthy way!!  I know it's hard to be patient but this is what you'll need to try right now.

Jeannie