Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 8/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I know my body isn't healthy because I haven't reached my body weight that it needs to be at. I know this because I still haven't gotten my period. Since I am recovered from I guess an "eating disorder" (I lost about 28 pounds.. related to depression) I am eating completely normal and everything! I just wanted to know if it was possible that my metabolism is even FASTER now that I had to kind of...rebuild it. My weight doesn't seem to coming back......I don't know why!

ANSWER: Dear Maple,

I'm so glad that you wrote me!

Have you been to a doctor for a check up?  I think that should come first.  Next it would be great if you could see a nutritionist and have her check what you're eating.  You might not be getting enough calories to gain weight.  That would usually be the case or it could be that you're exercising too much??

Let's see if we can figure this out!

Warmly,
Jeannie Rust, PhD
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com

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

QUESTION: I am not sure. I only do yoga. I just thought once I started eating normally my body would go back naturally....

Answer
It's really time to bring in those professionals, Maple.  If you go to www.mirasol.net, you'll find a BMI calculator.  You can figure out what you'd need to weigh to have a BMI of 18 -- that's the weight when people usually get their periods back -- it's an average -- but a good guide.

Sometimes the body (stubborn they can be) just takes a while to get revved up again --  maybe some walking 3-4 days a week can help with your metabolism.  I do think that a visit with a good nutritionist or dietitian could help tremendously.

Let me know how you do!

Warmly,
Jeannie
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com