Expert: Loren - 6/3/2007

Question
hi, i went on a starvation diet about 2 months ago eating about 600-700 calories at the most for about 2 months, i lost about 15 pounds and my period hasnt come for those 2 months, i was wondering if my menstration will come back if i start eating 1200 calories a day and how much weight will i gain eating 1200 calories since it is more than i used to eat but still a low amount? i never got to the point of being underweight i am 5'1 and about 95 pounds and 15 years old but im almost positive im done growing.  

Answer
Hello Alexis

You haven't stopped growing. The average female will finish full physical growth by around the age of 18-21. Remember, not all growth is height - your body develops, also. I myself am 17 and I still haven't finished growing.

I would strongly advise you to come off this starvation diet and resume normal eating habits. I cannot say how much weight you will put on by eating 1200 calories because everyone is different. But the sooner you start eating healthily again the easier it will be for your body to recover. Existing on 600-700 calories daily after consuming an ordinary intake of 1500-2000 can cause serious health problems; such a dramatic cut in calorific intake puts unimaginable strain on the heart.

Take care,
Loren