Expert: Ryan Hale - 9/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello I recently realized i suffer from anorexia. It took my hair beginning to
fall out for me to realize this. At 5'5 and 120 pound I am in a healthy weight
range for my height. While i recognize i will gain weight in recovery i was
wondering how much weight i can expect to gain? Is there a way to gain the
least amount possible? I dont want to become overweight, and since im
already at a healthy weight for my height im extremely worried about this.
Thank you.

ANSWER: Sarah-  so have you diagnosed yourself or has a health professional told you that you have an eating disorder?  I can't say with certainty, but at your height and weight, it could be that you have some disordered eating going on but may not fit the criteria for an eating disorder.  It could take speaking with a nutritionist to re-learn eating habits and behaviors and it would be good to talk with a mental health therapist to discuss any issues that may be contributing to the way you feel and the resulting behaviors based on your feelings.  A school counselor, county health nurse, personal physician, or county mental health agency is a great place to start and find the resources you need.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have diagnosed myself. Honestly, i do not think i am completely anorexic. I
know i have disordered eating. Possibly a combination of binge
eating/anorexia. I eat way too much and try to compensate the next day much
like binge eating disorder. I know this is so unhealthy for my body and it
hurts me knowing the damage i may have potentially done. On some days, i  
eat completely normal. I only restrict if i have binged previously. I am
stopping binging and restricting completely. I know because of my hair falling
out my body is suffering. Is there any way of knowing how much weight i will
gain if i begin to eat a regular meal plan? Thank you so much for your time
and answer. I appreciate it and am really worried.  

Answer
Sarah-   I think if you were to eat on a regular basis and a healthy diet, that your weight would be more stable and wouldn't be much different than it is right now.  Give or take a few pounds, a regular metabolism will regulate you weight.  The pattern you are in now causes your body to want to store fat because it never knows when it will be in starvation mode or for how long.