Gaining weight but not "undo-ing" all the work?

Hi,

I've been 3 months on a diet, lost 6 cm off my abdomen - which I am really proud of - and lost 10-12 pounds. But I also lost my periods since 1-2 months, I'm underweight and have 12-16% body fat.

I know that I need to gain weight in order to get back my periods, but if I gain weight, I'll gain it all back in the abdominal area too.. So, I'll never be able to lose my abdominal fat and I'll be stuck with it forever..

Is there any solution please?

Also : How long will my periods get back

and : Many, many celebrities are underweight, failling below the healthy range so how come they don't lose their periods? Some would say that they have more body fat although they are underweight, but they look so skinny !

Thanks and sorry for the long post

First: The weight you gain will INITIALLY go to your abdomen, most likely. But, it WILL redistribute to where your body needs it to go. I'd suggest cutting down on the cardio a little to make sure you don't end up losing the weight you gain back, but doing more strength training exercises to help turn it into muscle.

Second: It depends on how much you need to gain in order to be healthy and at a weight that your body can have a period. If its five pounds, probably not that long. If you need to gain more than that, it may take longer for you to get there.

Third: How on earth do you know whether or not those women actually get a period? Also, if for some odd reason you do know for a fact that their mentrual cycles are present - the use of birth control will stimulate a period in someone, even if they are drastically underweight.

That being said - all of this varies from person to person. I am recovering from anorexia nervosa. I got my period back when I was barely over 90 pounds (93-94 to be exact) and that was without the use of BC. Different bodies have different needs and set points.

I know this is hard but you have to focus on your needs. Everyone is healthy at a different weight. Also like rebel said many I am sure are very unhealthy and in any regards it does not change what you need to do. Try to take 1 day at a time and focus on that you need to be healthy. You did not state what you are eating but I would think you need to increase your calories.