Expert: Matthew Cook - 4/12/2010

Question
Hi Matthew. I have been told that I am underweight. I am 5"2'. Tonight, I weighed myself after I ate dinner ( I know that's not the best time) and weighed 78.4 pounds. About this time last year, I weighed around 94 pounds. I know I need to gain, but I can't help thinking of weight gain as a negative thing. Every time I get on the scale and it's a higher number, it upsets me. Is there something I can do to stop thinking that way? Also, what are some healthy ways to gain weight? I eat very healthily. I'm also scared that when I gain weight, I will gain it in all the wrong places. I know I don't have to worry about this stuff, but I do. Thank you so much.

Answer


Dear Kenz –

Hi - I will take time to address your points one at a time:

Q) I am 5"2'……and weighed 78.4 pounds.

A) If the figures you have provided are correct then you are indeed dangerously underweight.
I hope you are getting some professional support from a specialist eating disorder team including dieticians and psychotherapists. If not, you need to ask your doctor straight away for a referral.

Q) I know I need to gain, but I can't help thinking of weight gain as a negative thing. Every time I get on the scale and it's a higher number, it upsets me. Is there something I can do to stop thinking that way?

A) It is just as unhealthy if not worse to be very underweight as it is to be very overweight.
The distorted thinking patterns that you are experiencing are an integral part of Anorexia, and the thoughts around fear of fat and of weight gain are issues that need to be explored in depth on a personal level with an experienced therapist. These cannot really be fixed over the internet, so again, I hope you find some professional help.

Q) Also, what are some healthy ways to gain weight? I eat very healthily.

A) This again may be indicative of the distorted thinking patterns in Anorexia. You believe you are eating ‘healthily’ – but if you were, then you would not be so very underweight. Eating healthily includes giving your body the nutrients and energy it needs to survive. A dietician can help you do this in a way that would build you up to a healthy weight, but in a way that is balanced – helping provide the nutrition you need to build bones, muscle, repair tissue, feed your brain – not just by gaining fat.

Q) I'm also scared that when I gain weight, I will gain it in all the wrong places.

A) Your body is unique to you. We cannot dictate where our bodies will put on weight here or there. Again, by following a dietician’s advice, and by leading a reasonably active lifestyle, you will grow to be the weight and shape that is right for you.
Avoid comparing your self to others.
Again, a good therapist can help you (over time) learn to come to a state of self-acceptance, appreciating your self for who you are, including your own unique talents and interests, and so become free from worrying about body shape and appearance so much.

Please make sure you get some professional support as soon as possible. If you need to speak to anyone, you can call the national eating disorder associations in your country:

In the US, try National Eating Disorder Association free helpline: 800-931-2237 www.nationaleatingdisorders.org

In the UK, try BEAT 0845 634 1414 www.b-eat.co.uk

For other countries, try a google search, or the associations I have mentioned may be able to put you in touch with one.

And there are lots of other on-line resources regarding eating disorders at:  www.something-fishy.org

I hope that has been a little help,
Good luck and good health

Matt C