Expert: Joanne - 10/12/2007

Question
Hi! Over the past year I have gained back the weight necessary for me to be out of the 'danger zone' for anorexia. I am 5' 6" and was at 96 lbs but I am now 120 lbs. I was anorexic for about 4 years. I am concerned about my metabolism though- will it bounce back? I feel that I am still gaining weight even though I'm keeping my calories in check. I don't want to begin restricting again or overexercising. Have I done permenant damage to my metabolism? Some girls who were anorexic before end up being heavier than when they first got sick... Please let me know!

Answer
Christine,
Your metabolism should recover!  This may take time, and does require you to eat 1500 calories or so for a period of time so that your body can fully recover and repair itself.  Once your body is sure that it will be fed regularly, and has repaired itself, your metabolism will speed up, allowing you to burn more calories as an energy source rather than storing them in fear of being starved again.

It is important that you keep making an effort to reach the recommended calorie intake everyday, as if your body feels it is being starved again, your metaoblism will begin to slow again.

I would recommend visiting a dietician/nutritionist with experience in eating disorders and get a mealplan from them if you don't already have one.

As for people ending up heavier - some people will end up heavier initially when their body is repairing and recovering, but the majority of people who return to eating a healthy balanced diet should be able to return to their original weight.  They may get heavier first, but in time as the metabolism recovers, many will lose a small amount of weight before their weigth stabilises!

I hope this is of some help to you!  Please feel free to get back in touch if their is anything else you would like to ask!

All the best
Holly