About Melissa Expertise I battled anorexia and bulimia for 6 years. I am not a doctor, but I learned a lot about the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of having an eating disorder and how scary it is to feel like you are alone in your illness. You are not alone. I can answer questions based on my experience with anything relating to anorexia and/or bulimia.
I can provide information on treatment options, some specific treatment centers, resources that may help you find a treatment center, and my opinion on all of the above. I was a patient at a few outpatient and inpatient programs so I am happy to answer questions about those experiences. I am not affiliated with any of the resources I may provide. It’s strictly my opinion based on my experiences.
I can NOT answer medical questions.
I will NOT answer questions on how to become anorexic or bulimic or how to lose weight in an unhealthy matter.
Experience I have recovered from a six year struggle with both anorexia and bulimia. I hope my experiences and the time I spent in and out of treatment will encourage others to never give up. I never thought I would or could recover because I couldn’t picture myself ever having a normal relationship with food. Since then, I have grown and learned that I can overcome what I once thought was impossible. Hold on to the idea that recovery is attainable!
Education/Credentials I am attending college for an unrelated degree.
I've been suffering from anorexia for over a year. At my worst point, I was restricting myself to 1300 calories, although I often ate less. I am 16 years old, 5'3" and 104 pounds, after gaining weight in recovery. I'm currently in therapy but I'm still afraid to eat. I usually eat around 1500 calories although most online calculators tell me to eat between 1800 and 2200. I'm just not hungry for more than 1500 calories but I want to get my body out of starvation mode. I'm afraid to make myself eat the extra calories because I don't want to gain weight. Should I be eating the extra calories? Is my body still in starvation mode? Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Answer It's hard to say because I don't know your body type, nor am I a doctor or dietician. However, seeing as you are 16 and underweight, it is very likely that you are restricting your calories too far. As long as your body is in starvation mode, it will conserve any nutrition you put in it by slowing down your metabolism. Your body does that in order to survive. Adding more calories to your diet will not only make you feel better, but will speed up your metabolism to a normal level.
Good luck,
Melissa
