Expert: Samathlee Colon - 8/3/2006

Question
hi! as for needed background: i am a recovering anorexic/compulsive exerciser. i have been in recovery and on a really good road now for about 6 months. i have reached my goal weight of 125 lbs (i'm a muscular 5'3"). for the most part, i feel really really great about where i am mentally and physically - obviously there are bumps.

i'm at a bump now. i decided that i was going to try to change my routine to a "maintenance" routine (as opposed to weight gain/loss routines) in the gym and with the way i eat. however - despite my cut in calories (from 2200 to 1800) and my regular exercise, i'm still gaining weight!

i fear that this loss of lack of control will start spinning in my head and i'm kind of starting to freak out. i dont want to freak out, and i know "i know better". i'm in a temporary living situation now for about 6 wks, away from from my nutritionist, so i'm turning to you. why is this happening? why is my body holding on to everything when its been so great up to this point? i thought i had a great metabolism, but right now, its confused? i dont know - any help? thanks so much!!

- freaked.  

Answer
Well, before I answer this question. . . because it can be several things... My first thought is that since your body was deprived for so long it feels it still needs more. However, how old are you? And how long were you anorexic? You - feel your at your goal weight and that is where you want to stay. However, again, since your body was soo confused for soo long. . . it needs  more time. Your metabolism is not at the right speed just yet- I am sure its getting there, but not quite yet. Also, are you lifting weights? It could be muscle that you are gaining. Which is completely normal. For example, once I stopped my craze on working out way too much, and eating nothing and also vomiting... my body also gained weight- for a while.. UNTIL it became normal again... Only then, did I begin to loose the extra weight I wanted the healthy way.. .because then my metabolism was up to par- along with my nutrition.