Expert: Nafeesah - 3/16/2009

Question
Hi I've gone up and down in my weight over the last year or so, and when I
came home from college on spring break I realized I had become about 8
pounds underweight.  When I actually see that I become underweight, I start
binging like crazy, usually at night by myself.  I eat probably about 5000
calories a day, and my brain is just telling me to keep going because i need
to gain.  I seriously know this isn't good, as you are supposed to slowly
increase your weight, but I don't know what to do!! I think I've gained 4
pounds already, in the last 3 days... help!

Answer
When you binge and purge repeatedly you can throw off your metabolism which can cause significant weight gain and loss. You're taking in too many calories the average person takes in about 1000-1300 a day. You should see an endocrinologist to find out why you're consuming more calories than you're actually burning off to maintain a healthy weight.