Can you permanently damage your metabolic rate?
Asked by lucyg331 on Jul 08, 2009
in Eating Disorders
I have struggled with disordered eating for about 8 years. I have battled anorexia, diet pill abuse, serious BED, and everything in between. I recently got engaged, to an incredible man who loves me and supports me through it all and I have really started to stabilize my eating. Occasional binging is the only true existing culprit. I am at a healthy weight now but I would like to tone up a lot and lose 5-7 lbs. I am 5'8" and 132 lbs (flabby 132) and I know I should consume a certain number of calories based on that info - and jogging 30 minutes 5 days a week is my primary source of exercise - but I am afraid that my 8 years of extreme ups and downs may have permanently damaged my metabolism since I have spent so much time vacillating between fasts, 800 cal/ day and binges. I want to feel beautiful at my wedding in 1 year and I want to lose a couple of lbs and do some serious toning. But I don't know what calorie intake is appropriate. Is it possible that I can't lose with any diet over 800 calories since that was where I spent so much time? I am 27 - perhaps I am still young enough to reverse some of this damage? I have had these questions for many years but so afraid to actually ask.
Answer
Research shows that yo-yo dieting and eating disorders do not permanently affect metabolic rate. Chronic dieting simply drives down calorie requirements by eroding muscle as the body breaks down protein for fuel. Since muscle is a major calorie burner, your requirements appear to be less, and you seem flabby, because your muscle is gone. Your immediate goal should be to rebuild muscle mass through strength-training. You should not lose more weight because that will make matters worse. Your BMI of 21 is perfect and you need 1900 calories a day to maintain it. You also need a daily intake of at least 80 g of protein to support muscle building. In addition, you should measure your chest, waist, hips, and thighs to monitor your progress in case you gain some muscle weight in the process.
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