Expert: Matthew Cook - 3/15/2010

Question
Hi, im currently refeeding myself and it's been around 80 or so days since I've started（not totally consistant cuz ive been kinda restricting on SOME days when I felt really bad about eating more). I've increased my calorie intake but i've encountered some problems, like I noticed all the weight gained went right to my stomach and the rest of my body, like my arms, face and wrists are still tiny and bony! so now i kinda have a big stomach and lanky arms and legs. Would this fat stay on my belly forever and will it ever even out? how long would this take and would exercising everyday make it even out quicker? thanks!

Answer
Dear Andreah,

Thank you for your inquiry, and congratulations with persisting with your recovery.

As I state in my profile, I am not an expert in Anorexia, but what I can say is that 80 days is early days! We might want quicker results, but what you are doing will take time and self-patience.

Part of what you are trying to achieve is a gentle and gradual regain to a healthy weight. But people who are recovering from an eating disorder will often find that previous fears and thought patterns and are still there (as you indicate when you say that on some days you feel bad about eating more). So you might view normal signs of your recovery (for example, a slight increase in body fat)as a bad thing.

It is important to discuss any such thoughts with your therapist.

Regarding exercising everyday. Exercise is obviously healthy, but it is important not to fall into the trap of substituting one extreme (such as fasting and severe dieting) for another (excessive exercising). Gentle exercise that becomes part of your lifestyle, such as regular walking, is one the healthiest thing you can do.

You body will take time to adjust to your new patterns of eating and being. Please give your body the time it needs, and be gentle and patient with yourself.

Good luck and Good health

Matt C