Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Diet Pills and Metabolism

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Expert: - 5/31/2010


Question
I have been taking some diet pills for a couple of months now, but the whole time I have been thinking I shouldn't be--in the back of my mind.
I am in recovery from eating disorder not otherwise specified, which basically means I have struggled from almost every eating disorder behavior at one time or another.  I have had a lot of good treatment and I am at a healthy weight.  
I started taking the pills just to loose a little since I was on the high end of healthy.  I did not and still do not want to be too thin!  
My question is do diet pills mess up your metabolism forever?  And when I do get off of them is it for sure that I will gain all the weight back and more?  Or is it possible to just maintain where it lands me?
Thanks so much for your help!
-Caroline

Answer
Caroline- I am concerned that you are taking diet pills as a recovering patient of an eating disorder.  I think the eating disorder will have a more profound and lasting effect on your metabolism.  Following your dietician's food recommendations and exercise is a better way to ensure weight maintainance.

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Volunteer

Ryan Hale

Expertise

I can answer questions specifically geared towards athletes and their eating issues. I would be able to assist parents or coaches with questions or concerns about disordered eating practices often found in the exercise and sports settings. I also have experience in training and conditioning so I am in a position to discus how the two interrelate.

Experience

I have a bachelor's degree in sports medicine and master's degrees in sport psychology and clinical counseling. I have done counseling with individuals, couples, and families, with specialization in athletes. Past clients have included triathletes, dancers, college cyclists, and Pro Tour cyclists.

Organizations
National Athletic Trainer's Assoc. American Counseling Assoc

Education/Credentials
bachelor's degree sports medicine master's degree sport psychology master's degree clinical counseling Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer with NATABOC Nationally Certified Counselor with NBCC Colorado Registered Psychotherapist

Past/Present Clients
U.S. national team level female athletes High school athletes Semi-pro soccer Pro Tour cyclists Triathletes Dancers

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