Is it normal to lose weight when recovering from an eating disorder?
Asked by victorious7 on Mar 25, 2009
in Eating Disorders
I had gained weight in recovery from an eating disorder which is great! Only some time into it, I lost about 4 pounds and I stayed at that weight until I got sick and lost another 2 or 3 pounds. Recently for no reason, even though I am eating normal, I began to lose weight again and I have lost another 3 pounds. For some, this may not seem like it should matter, but I just wonder if this is normal. I don't want my body to just keep losing weight for no apparent reason.
Answer
You are losing weight because you aren't eating as many calories as you need. When compared with non-anorexic individuals, those recovering from anorexia nervosa can need 30 - 50% more calories to gain and maintain weight. In one study, anorexics needed, on average, about 4500 calories to gain one pound instead of the usual 3500. The reason for this is unclear, but it might have something to do with increasing metabolic rates as body mass is added. Changing levels of hormones and being more active may also be to blame. Anorexics in recovery should work with a registered dietitian to deal with the issues surrounding food and weight. Relapse (weight loss) usually happens when anorexics reach 80 - 85% of their target.
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