Expert: Nafeesah - 3/21/2009

Question
I want to know how to deal with eating disorder treatment teams when you have become overweight. I have been anorexic/bulimic since I was 14. I am currently 31 years old. I am 5'6" and my lowest weight was 90 pounds one year ago. I was diagnosed bipolar, put on meds, and I am now 170 pounds. I hate myself and want to cut all the fat off my body. My doctors do not understand or care because I am fat now. The meal plan does not help me lose weight. I want to stop eating completely. Worse than before. Because now I know that any food I put in my mouth will turn to fat immediatly thanks to starvation mode. They ask me hurtful questions like have I binged. I NEVER BINGE. I HATE FOOD. They only ask because I'm fat. How do I get them to treat me the same as the skinny girls?

Answer
Starving yourself and cutting food off completely won't help you to lose weight. Unfortunately the side effects from eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia is rapid weight gain. This is because your body is getting used to eating and maintaining normal weight again. The meal plan can help, but you also have to exercise as well and by how you assume that anything you eat will turn to fat already points to a relapse in your disorder. If you feel that the current medical plan is not working is to get a second opinion.