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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Sudden weight gain despite staying on the same aount and exercise

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 2/27/2011


Question
I've had an eating disorder for over 3 years and am currently trying to recover. I started with 1400 calories and gradually raised it. I am currently at 1700 calories. I was on 1700 calories for a while and then suddenly I was a kilo heavier, I weigh once a week but i don't think it was gradual, I thought it was water weight but it didn't come off, then 4 weeks later again 1 kilo even though I hadn't upped my calories, it is causing me great anxiety because it's happening all of a sudden. Why am I gaining now and is it water weight or something else and would that eventually come off? I haven't had my period in 3 years and I have night sweats if that is of any help.
Thanks in advance

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Nana,

I don't know what your current height and weight is -- but I think that you're not gaining quickly at all.  At Mirasol we aim for 1/4 kilo to 1 kilo weight gain per week when someone's recovering.  it could very well still be water weight.

The thing I do know for sure is that it takes some time for the body to heal.  When you reach a BMI (body mass index) of 18-20, your period should return.  There is also the option of going to the doctor and having him put you on birth control pills that will start your period -- it will depend on what your doctor and therapist say as well.

The one terrific thing is that you're recovering!  Yea!  It is so so hard to become well.  Please feel free to ask me questions at any time!

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

Jeanne Rust, PhD

Expertise

I have been treating eating disorders for over 25 years and I have a doctorate in clinical psychology. I am an expert in anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders and in co-occurring disorders as well -- depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. I was the official eating disorder therapist for the University of Arizona athletic department and love working with girls and women of all ages! 12 years ago I started my own treatment centers in Arizona where we treat adolescents and adults. I love working with people and have been helping people online since 1994. My hearts go out to the people out there who are unable to find help, who aren't sure whether they need help, and who don't have much of an understanding of the terrible consequences, emotionally and physically, that go hand in hand with the eating disorder. I view eating disorders as coping mechanisms that people use when they are under stress. I believe that eating disorders most times have many similarities whether it is anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating. The good news is that people can heal from an eating disorder and learn to create the lives they would like to live.

Experience

I have 25 years of experience in treating eating disorders of all kinds. I also do consultations for people who are starting treatment centers.

Education/Credentials
Northwestern University -- BA Masters in Counseling Doctorate in Clinical Psychology -- Saybrook institute

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