Expert: Melissa Anderson - 10/26/2009

Question
how can you speed up a metabolism?
I used to be anorexic and I think my metabolism is now 0. (or however it is measured)

so I am gaining weight real fast.
how can I get my metabolism to be normal?

Answer
Kayla,
Anorexia slows your metabolism down, and the slow metabolism can last for a year after you start eating normally again-and sometimes even longer. The most important thing that you can do is to never, ever, ever eat less than 1200 calories daily. If you restrict calories below 1200, then you'll simply be slowing your metabolism down even more. Remember, too, that metabolism naturally slows as you age, with big drops in your early 20's and again in your late 40's.
Melissa