Expert: Joanne - 9/3/2006

Question
If I turn things around and start eating normally,  will my metabolism and weight level off?


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Followup To

Question -
I've been struggling with an eating disorder for three years. I've eaten very little at times, and at times when I've been trying to gain weight- a lot. I had gained 8 lbs in almost 2 months a year or so ago.. but now I'm skinnier than ever. I just started college, and after two weeks of alot more exercise and eating maybe 1000 - 1200 calories a day, I've actually gained 1 1/2 lbs. How is it that I can gain  weight when eating so little? At other times I've lost weight eating more than that with no exercise. Nothing makes since. Am I doomed to gain weight uncontrolably? PLEASE REPLY. I DESPERATELY NEED ANSWERS

Answer -
Your weight gain may just be due to water retention, or if you have been exercising a lot more than normal, then it maybe a gain in muscle mass!  Muscle weighs more than fat!

Your metabolism will also be all over the place with eating, then not eating, then eating, then not.....!  Your body is unable to steady itself, and so will go from one extreme to the other to counteract what you are doing to it!

I think that you should maybe make an appointment with your Dr just to make sure that nothing else is going on, and then maybe consider seeing a counsellor at your college about your eating difficulties!  It is the only way that this is going to get any better!

Hope that this helps, if not please feel free to come back!

All the best
Holly

Answer
Eating a minimum of 1500 calories should allow your metabolism to sort itself out.

This may result in gain at the beginning, but on a diet of 1500 calories, once your metabolism is working normally, you should be able to lose a slight bit of weight.  The weight loss will be healthy and will be more likely to stay off if you stick to this.  Once you lose weight (if that is what you want), if you up your calories to about 1800, you should be able to maintain this weight easily.  That combined with some toning and cardio exercise 3 times a week should have your body in great shape!

Hope all goes well
Holly