Expert: Gerri Helms - 8/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I wrote to this site around two months ago about my recovery, but I still have many concerns. To fill you in, I'm a 5'4.5" 16 year old female and I suffered from anorexia this year for about five months, until I decided that I needed to help myself before it progressed even further.  Before anorexia I was consistently around 110-111 pounds and ran at most 1.5 miles a day.  I would eat whatever I wanted and didn't give any thought to what I ate.  During anorexia, my weight went down to a little less than 105, and I restricted my calories and ran 3.5 miles a day. Since late April I have been trying to recover. I have gone back to eating how I ate before I had anorexia, but I still run or bike ride 5-6
days a week.  When I go for a run it is usually for 40 minutes, and when I go for a bike ride it is usually from 90 minutes to 120 minutes.  I also skateboard for about an hour a day.  During my recovery, I have gained 15 pounds (weighing 120 pounds)! When I wrote to this site in June I had gained about 10 pounds and
thought my weight gain would stop there.  However, it seems that I am still gaining weight even though I exercise regularly and eat the diet of a normal teenager.  I don't binge and I eat exactly how I ate before I was anorexic.  I've been told that my weight would eventually stabilize and my metabolism and weight would return to normal (around 111 pounds).  Since it has been 4 months since my anorexic days, should I assume that my metabolism is not going to speed up and that this weight will not come off unless I start to diet? Or is there still hope that my weight will naturally return to normal? It would seem that I should weigh less than I did before I was anorexic since I知 working out a lot more than I did then, and that  I would have to work out an insane amount just to reach my old normal weight.  Also, despite the months that have past and the 15 pounds of weight gain, I still don't have my period.  Even while I was anorexic I had not completely lost my period; it just became very irregular. My
parents are taking me to a gynecologist next week to try to figure out why I have not gotten my period in months.  Is it possible to have developed hypothyroidism as a result of anorexia? I'm sorry that this is so long. Thank you so much for your time and answering.


ANSWER: Dear Jane,
Anorexia wreaks havoc on one's body. It is possible that your thyroid, as well as other bodily functions have been affected.

110 lbs for 5'4.5" is low. You may gain a little more weight before you level off When you see the gynecologist, make sure you tell him about the anorexia, as it affects the menstrual cycle as well.

I also suggest that you see a nutritionist about a healthy food plan for a 16 year older.

The amount you work out is consistent with exercise bulimia, which some also use to control weight. You might want to consider visiting Overeaters Anonymous' websit at www.oa.org, to help with the obsessive thinking. Also, if you wish to contac me for a ocmplimentary session, I'll try to help you.

Gerri Helms
Life and Health Coach
www.lifecoachgerri.com
lifecoachgerri@aol.com

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

QUESTION: What do you mean before I level off?  What do you suggest is a good weight for a 5'4.5" 16 year old? I only say around 110, because that's what my natural weight was before anorexia.  Also, I'm not binge or compulsively eating so what would www.oa.org do to help? thank you

Answer
When I look up 5'4" online, the range for a small frame is 114 to 121, and as high as 135 for a large frame.

You are not binge eating or compulsive eating but OA helps with the obsessive thoughts. Some people are not overweight at all, but have constant thoughts about food, exercise, body weight, image, etc, and OA is known to hellp with that. It's just a resource if you ever feel like you need it.

Life and Health Coach Gerri Helms
www.lifecoachgerri.com
lifecoachgerri@aol.com