Expert: Jeanne Rust, PhD - 5/19/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi! I am a 104 pound ,14 year old about to turn 15 in 6 months and my dad is 6'5 and my mom is 5'8 and i am 5'7. I have been dealing with an eating disorder for about two years and loss of menstrual cycle I am now trying to gain weight because i want to grow to my potential adult height. I want to be a least 5'9. i  have also recently started taking a multivitamin to get me back on track. can you give me some advice on how to gain weight, to have my menstrual cycle again, and find out my projected height and if i am going to reach it. I will surely appreciate your answers.

ANSWER: Dear Kim,

How lovely to be 5'7" at 14!  People will continue to grow until they are as old as 21-22 although the average is closer to ages 19-20.  It sounds to me as if you're going to be 5'9" at least!

You are still an extremely low weight.  You can jump-start your menstrual cycle by getting birth control pills from your doctor.  If you want to do this naturally, when you reach the weight of around 120 pounds your period should start.  You're much too thin now.  But when your BMI gets close to 19, your period should come back.  Google Calculate Your Body Mass Index -- that can help show you where you are.  A vitamin will not do much in terms of healing from an eating disorder.

Have you thought of seeing a dietitian?  They could provide you with a meal plan that would be easy for you to follow.  If you want to send me what you're eating now throughout the day, I'll take a look and see if I can make any recommendations.

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

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

QUESTION: Sorry for the mistake I  am 5'6.5. But I turn 15 on June 21.I have gained my menstrual period back since January of this year I am so glad I have been trying to eat at least 2000 calories and my weight doesn't change it stays the same or goes down a bit what can I do.  Thanks for your time

Answer
Dear Kim,

You are still very very thin.  If you're eating 2000 calories and you're not gaining, slowly go up to 2200 calories a day and then up to 2500.  I know it sounds like a lot of food, but your metabolism is burning up the calories.  That's a good thing!!

Warmly
Jeannie