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Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Calculating my metablic rate.

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Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 4/4/2011


Question
I am trying to start recovery from an eating disorder, from which I have suffered for the past 3 years or so. At present my weight is 44.3kg (97.5 lbs) and I am 161cm (5'3"). Since my BMI is under 17.5 I have been technically classed as suffering from anorexia. I am aware that due to my poor diet and eating habits, my body is now in "starvation mode". I know that due to this my metabolic rate would have slowed, and so the number of calories that I require to maintain my weight would be less than if I had not been restricting my calories (to between 200-500 a day). I was wondering if there is a way to calculate the number of calories I require to maintain my weight given that my metabolic rate would be quite reduced. I want to stop losing weight, but am not ready yet to start gaining any. Is it still accurate for me to use any online BMR calculator, or do I have to take into account these other circumstances? I would be grateful for any advice you could give me. Thank you.

Answer

Jeanne Rust, PhD
Dear Nina,

You are definitely in the anorexic category.  Yes, it's true that your metabolism has probably come to almost a "stop."  

There are some doctors that are able to measure your metabolic rate -- but this is something where they need to see you in person for testing.

I honestly cannot help you stay an anorexic.  Anorexia kills more young women than any other condition with heart failure being the main cause of death.  Did you know that the prisoners in the German concentration camps ate around 800 calories a day?  I have known many anorexics who have died for a variety of medical reasons -- and frankly, eating disorders scare me!  I have seen how they rob young women of their intelligence, thought processes, physical health, ability to have meaningful relationships, and on and on.

My hope for you would be that you get some help for your eating disorder.  This does not mean that you have to be fat or heavy -- it means that you can be thin (not anorexic), be healthy, and not have an eating disorder.

Please keep in touch.  I'm happy to help you any way I can -- I can help you in health, but I can't help you in illness.

Warmly,
Jeanne Rust, PhD
CEO/Founder
Mirasol, Inc.
www.mirasol.net
www.edrecovery.com
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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