AboutRyan Hale Expertise I can answer questions specifically geared towards athletes and their eating issues. I would be able to assist parents or coaches with questions or concerns about disordered eating practices often found in the exercise and sports settings.
Experience I have a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and a master's degree in sport psychology. I am not a liscensed counselor but I am pursing my counseling education currently. I have also worked with athletes at every level for the last 15 years, particularly elite high school athletes and females.
Education/Credentials bachelor's degree sports medicine
master's degree sport psychology
currently pursuing graduate degree in counseling psychology
Past/Present Clients U.S. national team level female athletes
High school athletes
Semi-pro soccer
I am currently trying to reagin the weight lost as a result of my 7 year on-going battle with anorexia. One issue that I have developed during this time is the idea of calories being 'absorbed' through touch. I will now not teouch any food I am not going to eat, and must wasj my hands after touching my own food as otherwise i fear the calories will 'linger' on things I touch afterwards, and i might then absorb them another day!!! I know this sounds insane, but I have read that rubbing oils, etc. into people's skin can help them gain weight. Is it possible to absorb calories through your skin or not?!?
Many thanks
Answer Alice, your question reminds me of the cyclists (European) I've known who don't like taking showers for fear of the pore absorbing water and thus making them heavier on their bikes during the next day's race.
Anyway, I can understand your concern because it is very typical for someone who is recovering to continue being very concerned about caloric intake. I am assuming you are or have been receiving treatment? The oil you refer to could make people heavier simply by rehydrating dry skin... skin that normally has oil and water on or in it. The weight gain would be the same as weighing your self with cloths on. There's no actual weight gain as far as lean or fat mass.
I am wondering if you or anyone in your family has a mood disorder, depression or particularly an obsessive/compulsive disorder? It is very common to be associated with eating disorders. Of course you cannot absorb calories through your skin (in the same way people die of dehydration while floating out at sea). But, I'm sure that it is still a very reasonable concern to you.
Please, if you are not already, see a qualified counselor about your situation. Eating disorder treatment has a very high rate of relapse so don't get discouraged if the first counselor you work with doesn't "click" with you. Work until you find one and keep working even if you feel like you've gone backwards.
Eating disorders have a higher rate of death and suicide than ANY other psychiatric disorder! So, I am concerned about your health and welfare. Please agree to work on this. And in the mean time, don't be afraid to touch whatever food you want.
