How can I overcome the urge to fall back into anorexia?
Asked by pink_who on Jul 23, 2009
in Eating Disorders
I'm an 18 year old girl, I weight 105 (48 kg) at 5'6" (168 cm). I have a long history of anorexia, but I've been in recovery now for about a year and have come the point where I can eat food like a normal person, and enjoy it. Currently, I eat very healthy, lost of fruits, veggies, grains and beans, no meat. I have come up to my current weight and feel as if it is right for me, even though everyone keeps telling me I should gain more. I already have some problems with the weight around my hips, which I really am not just imagining. I can see it stick out when wearing tight jeans! Do you have any tips on how I stay in my healthy path instead of returning to my anorexic way and start lowering my calorie intake?
Answer
It is virtually impossible to abandon the thought patterns and eating behaviors of anorexia nervosa (AN) until your weight reaches at least BMI 19. Your BMI is 16.3. AN is a serious psychological illness and full recovery is usually not possible without psychiatric treatment and medications. Ultimately, you have to find a way to love yourself at any size and under any circumstances. An important step now is to lean on your support people, especially your mental health therapist, while you get accustomed to wearing new jeans that fit.
