Anorexia/Eating Disorders/Gaining Weight

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Expert: - 6/24/2007


Question
Hi,
I've been anorexic for about 7 years now.  Right now, I'm in the recovery stage (finally).  I'm 19 years old, 5'3", and 107 pounds.  My ideal weight is 115, but I would go up to 120 at the most.  One of my problems is that I'm trying to stay healthy, so I exercise 5 or 6 days a week.  I do cardio 3-4 times a week, so I think that's what is keeping me from gaining weight.  I don't want to stop exercising because I want my fat% to stay down (16% would be ideal).  I know you're not a doctor but do you think that I should be exercising less?

Answer
Hello Samantha,

Thanks for your question and I hope that I can be of some help.  First of all, its great that you are working so hard on recovery and I wish you much strength as you continue on.  I know its not easy to get to the recovery stage so give yourself a huge pat on the back and know that you're doing great.  

As far as exercise, I believe that its certainly possible to exercise while you are recovering and keep it to a healthy amount.  If you are not gaining enough weight, then you might want to increase your calories some.  However, if this doesn't sound like something you could (or would want to) do, then you probably should try exercising less.  Another thing you could try is switching out some of your cardio days for yoga or something not quite as strenuous.  

Finally, I think its important for you to take a look at why you're exercising.  There could be any number of reasons, from stress relief to holding onto a piece of your eating disorder, and so on.  If you find that there are healthy reasons for you to exercise 5-6 days a week (and I certainly believe that its possible that there can be) then I would suggest finding a way to keep working on adjusting your diet so that you can meet your weight goal and still feel like you're exercising and are comfortable with your body.  

I hope this helps at least a little  bit and please write anytime if there is anything else that I can help with.

Keep up the great work and take care,
Meg

Anorexia/Eating Disorders

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Meg

Expertise

I am recovering from about nine years with my eating disorder and while I am not a psychologist, I`ve accumulated a good deal of knowledge about eating disorders as well as my own experience over this time. I`ve mainly struggled with anorexia, but have definitely had times where I have engaged in bulimic behaviors as well. I also struggle with over exercising, but am about to be certified as a personal trainer and have learned moderation as well as how to treat my body well so it can perform at it`s best. I promise to give an honest answer to anything asked, and I want to say that while it is a long, scary road---it is possible to get free of this and it is so important to keep on taking little steps and knowing that you are not alone.

Experience

Sufferer for nine plus years. Also, my Mom has struggled with this issue- as have others in her side of the family.

Education/Credentials
My degree is not in psychology, I have simply lived with and overcome an eating disorder.

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