Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 2/28/2007

Question
Hi. I am 21 years old and am in recovery from anorexia. I finally got to a spot in my recovery where I am eating a more normal caloric intake. I currently eat 1300-1500 calories a day. About a year ago I was very underweight and without warning, I started putting the weight back on.  My doctor said that it was because I was eating so few calories that my body and metabolism shut down and I stared gaining weight without even trying. Then my body went over the weight range my doctor had given me and I was desperate, so I heeded her advice and upped my caloric intake to what it is now. At first my body responded very well and even dropped some weight but now I'm back to gaining weight even though I've held my caloric intake at a steady level. I am also very active and eat only healthy choices. I eat Lots of fruits and vegetables, high protein and fiber. Low sugar, fats, and starch and I also eat low carbohydrates that are only whole wheat. How do stop this? I am at my wits end!! Please help!

Answer
What is your current height. Maybe you are still at a lower weight than what your body is supposed to be at. What are you doing as far as exercise? Have you had any major change sin your life recently... any increase in stress level? You need to let me know where you are at with your weight now... your lowest weight and what your height is so that I can better serve you.