Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Weight loss AFTER anorexia

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 9/23/2009


Question
Hello Jeanne,
Is it true that, after experiencing an eating disorder such as anorexia, it becomes close to if not completely impossible to lose weight after regaining it? Say, you were you recover from an eating disorder and then gained more weight than you expected to. Would it be harder to burn this weight off then it would have usually been? Also, after an eating disorder, is it easier for you to gain weight? If so, why is this?

Answer

jeannie Rust, PhD
Dear Isabelle,

I'm so glad that you wrote me!  I think you've gotten some pretty inaccurate information.  None of it is true.  The body works like a little stove -- your food is the fuel.  If you don't eat enough, you lose weight.  If you eat too much, more than your body will burn, you'll gain weight.  
Weight gain and loss can also depend on an individuals metabolism and the amount of exercise a person is getting.  It's harder for some people to lose weight -- and easier for others!

Weight gain and weight loss are very individual processes.

It sounds as if you're afraid of gaining too much weight and then not being able to lose it?  Working with a good nutritionist can be essential.  She can help you find the ideal food plan for you and teach you how to eat to maintain your ideal weight after you gain the weight you need to be healthy!

Let me know how you do!

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

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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