Expert: Leigh-Anne Persing, PA-C - 12/1/2006

Question
Leigh-Ann,

I suffered/suffer from anorexia and overexercising. I was at my worst about 9 months ago, at which time I began seeing a nutritionist and a therapist. My lowest weight was 115 (I am 5'2.5", and although that sounds "normal", I have a very muscular body type and it looked awful. I lost my period for about 6 months, experienced mild hair loss, and was obviously malnutritioned). I gained weight back over the summer, and by August, I had leveled off to about 122. I stayed at 122ish until recently - and now I am up to about 126. I am currently in school (I am 22 years old) and my eating habits are quite controlled. I eat "enough" calories (about 1500 on average), and burn about 700 a day. Right now I am unable to lose weight! The loss of control has started a downward spiral in my head - all I want to do is lose weight so that I can prove to myself that I CAN! This is awful ED thought, I know, but I can't make it go away. I know I have control issues, and I'm wondering a couple things: 1 - is 126 or even more unhealthy for me? 2 - Has my metabolism just slowed down? 3 - Am I working out too much/eating too little?

How can I have more control over my body without feeling like I need to lose weight to prove that I have that control?

I hope all of this makes sense - I just feel like my body is completely on its own track - I feel myself slipping back into overworking my body and underfeeding it, just to prove that I can physically lose weight. Help me understand!

Thank you so much, I look forward to hearing from you!  

Answer
You may be undereating for the calories that you are burning with exercise. Try to increase it a bit with a little bit of protein.

Control is a major issue with eating disorders. You need to find something else in your life that you can control other than your eating and weight. 126 is fine for your height. Get involved with a club at school, do some volunteer work... something that you can delve into and keep yourself occupied. I want to recommend that you do and see your school counselor. Have an open mind. You seem to have noticed yourself slipping early, and it is not uncommon to have relapses in your ED. Seeing your counselor may be able to get you back on track before you jump too far off.