Expert: Ryan Hale - 8/10/2011

Question
Dear Ryan,

My name is Christine and I am 15 years old. I have struggled with both bulimia and anorexia nervosa over the past 3 years but have been a restrictive anorexic (500-800 calories with 50 minutes exercise) for a little over a year now. My weight fell from 116 pounds at 5'4 to about 95 pounds at 5'5 in less than 3 months. I regained to 100 pounds but am now at 97 pounds again and have lost my period. I really want to recover and maintain a healthier lifestyle, but the biggest challenge for me is being able to maintain my weight at a given point. I don't mind if I gain up to 5 pounds, but I have a very small frame and I'll most likely relapse if I gain weight too fast. I really want to know how to maintain my weight at around 99-100 pounds with a normal calorie intake. How should i slowly increase my calorie intake so that I can ensure weight maintenance or minimal weight gain? Thanks so much!

Answer
Christine- this is not really my area of expertesse.  There are people who work with those recovering from eating disorders who are better at coordinating the re-feeding plan.  It does seem like there is an incongruency with what you say you want and what you really seem to want.  On one hand, you say you want to get better.  On the other hand, you are very pre-occupied with the idea of gaining weight and somewhat unwilling to maintain a normal weight, which is a key to what an eating disorder is.  I would suggest working with a counselor as you also work with someone who can help with the re-feeding.  There are a ton of feelings that go along with taking care of the physical health aspects of recovery.  A counselor can help you work through those.