Expert: Meg - 8/24/2007

Question
Hi, I have had an eating disorder (anorexia) for about 2 years now. I was hospitalized for it and recivered, but am now in the midst of a relapse. I am no longer severley underweight but could stand to gain a couple pounds. I have not eaten regularly in so long now and am afraid my metabolsim has greatly slowed down. I am now 100 pounds and am wondering if I've been dieting (after my recovery) for say, about 6 months now, how fast is my basal metabolism. I do not know how much calories to consume a day to maintain my weight, and want to make sure I know before I begin to think to gain any. I am 5'2 and 18 years old and have been trying to figure out an accurate number for a few months now and know I will not begin to eat more regularily if I do not have a clue of what number of calories will maintain my weight. Can you please help me?

Answer
Hi Braydon,

Thanks for your question and I'll do my best to help.  There is no way for me to say *exactly* how many calories your basic metabolism requires as there are so many factors (body composition, history, etc).  However, I can give you a standard estimate and hopefully that will help.  I would suggest at least 1500 calories right now and am guessing that you would at least maintain at that level.  Ultimately, you might need more but 1500 is still pretty low and this would be my estimate of the lowest amount that you should be eating.  This is the amount that a healthy dieter would eat when trying to lose weight and so its unlikely that this would cause you to gain.  However, if you exercise you might need to consume more calories and in order for your metabolism to get back to normal you will need to let your  body fully recover and consume a healthy amount of calories consistently over a period of time.  

I wish you continued strength as you recover and please feel free to write again if there is anything more I can help with or if you would like me to clarify anything in this answer.

Best,
Meg