Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 11/15/2010

Question
Hi, thank you for taking the time to read this :)
Anyway, my ED started when I wanted to lose weight for the end of exams ball at the beginning of summer and it's spiralled out from there. I used to play highly competitive badminton and weighed 125lbs at 5ft 7in but I got very badly injured and can no longer take part in any sport so I do a lot of brisk walking as exercise.
I realised due to the vast amounts of exercise I was no longer doing, I didn't need all the carbohydrates and sugar I was eating. So I cut right back and ate mostly protein.
Anyway, right now I weigh 108lbs and I'm desperate to lose more weight for Christmas so I can pig out and not worry (my Christmas eating period starts from the 19th Dec to the 1st Jan).
I know this is wrong and I should stop, could you tell me how much damage I am doing to myself through this regime (sorry, it's long :S ):
Mon: 2 egg whites, coffees, 1 small choc and 500g broccoli: 190 cals
Tues: As above
Wed: 2 egg whites, coffees, 1 small choc and a chunky veg and chicken soup. Plus 1 hr exercise (240 cals burnt): 180 cals
Thurs: As Mon, Tues
Fri: As Mon, Tues
Sat: Burn 600 calories on the treadmill, then from the evening onwards (including Sunday) I'm allowed to eat whatever I want to boost metabolism and have an 'off' day.
I usually don't eat as much as I think I will because I get full so easily.
Can you tell me how damaging this is and what effects I can expect on my body in the next four/five weeks? I think I need a deterrant :S
Thank you so much!!


Answer
Dear Charlotte,

I'm so glad that you wrote!!  You are truly on the slipery slope to anorexia -- 5'7" and 108 pounds is almost there.

Is this what you want?  20% of all people who are anorexic die -- this is the deadliest condition of any mental health disorder.

Go to a professional -- find a therapist who specializes in eating disorders.

Eating disorders are chronic stress related conditions.  Usually when a person is so involved in what they're eating and not eating, and how much they weigh every single day, they don't have the opportunity to have feelings about anything else they might have going on.  It's all blocked out by the eating disorder.

This is what the therapist can do.  Help you figure out what your underlying issues might be and then teach you healthy coping strategies to deal with life rather than having to use an eating disorder as a way to cope.  You won't believe me right now, but it has nothing to do with weight!

Dear Kristin,

Let me know how we can help!!


Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
1-888-520-1700