Expert: Joanne - 9/20/2007

Question
I've had anorexia for about 3 years now ... I keep on gaining weight and then
losing it all again, but recently I've really been trying hard because I am so
worried about the state of my body and life.

I'm almost sixteen and about 5'4. I've gone from being 42.5kg to 47kg and I
am very worried that I look much, much, much bigger and fatter and uglier
and different then I did! I have an embarassingly fat chest, no muscless, the
bone age of 12 and the beginnings of osteoporis so I was wondering whether
all the weight will go into sorting these things out, or whether it's just gone
to my thighs and hips. I'm just so worried, and was wondering if whether I do
still look skinny and underweight now, or whether I look normal and average
and fat ... I don't want to lose the weight, I just need to know how it looks!!!! I
have quite a skinny build and I just feel like I'm getting too big for it.

Finally, I've never had a period, but do you think they would start at a weight
under this one, this weight, or a heavier weight?

Many Thanks,
Nel

Answer
Weight gain should help all of these problems!  It should allow you to have a period, and should prevent the osteoporosis progressing.

I'd imagine that you definitely do not look fat.  I think that you should see a therapist and working on your body image as it is usually one of reasons that you will struggle with recovery, just as important is to work through the underlying issues that lead you to an eating disorder.

While you are gaining weight, I would recommend taking up exercise if you don't already.  Please try not to exercise excessively as that will cause just as much damage as not eating much, but exercise will help you gain muscle, a healthier weight, and look more toned which will help take away some of the feelings of being 'fat', instead you should look slender and healthy!  Exercise will also help strengthen your bones!!!!

Please try to get as much support throughout your recovery as you can!  Your family, friends and a profesional team can help so much!

Please come back if you want to discuss anything!!!!

All the best
Holly