Starvation Mode post anorexia. Leptin?

Question
QUESTION: Dear Lela,

I really hope you can help. I am 29 years old and have suffered from anorexia since I was twelve. At it's worst i was hospitalised several times and was incapacitated. However, I am now overweight but not through overeating. I have a very restricted diet and exercise heavily every day. The doctors I have seen just tell me that 'you're better than you were...etc' and can find no reason why my body is refusing to shift this weight. I have done some reserach and believe that I have messed up my metabolism and that if I could raise my Leptinlevels and thus my metabolism i could begin to metabolise fat properly and burn the energy i eat efficiently. I have looked to try and buy Leptin but this seems tricky.

What is your view on this and is there any solution? Whiloe anorexia is widely discussed in the medical profession, the later side-effects seem to be of no interest to them.

Many thanks,

Best wishes,

ANSWER: Melissa,

I wouldn't mess with Leptin supplementation- You never know what you are getting on the internet and messing with hormone levels without having some idea of what you need exactly can cause all sorts of other issues.

How long has it been since you were last under the care of a doctor for your eating disorder? Who has set up your "restricted diet" and exercise routine? What are your stats? (Height weight) and whats your routine look like?

Lela

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply Lela,

I only see a counsellor at the moment with regards to my eating disorder, since the doctors seem to think i'm fine now I'm not about to collapse!

The restricted diet is of my own choice, as is the exercise. I run 3.5 miles every day and 6.7 miles twice a week and 5 miles once a week. I eat 2 fresh figs and a yoghurt for b'fast, some grapes at lunch and for dinner some fruit and then cottage cheese and tuna or salmon for dinner. One or two days a week i'll have soup and vegetables and tofu or some fish for dinner. I will have a couple more yoghurts for snacks. I drink green tea and loads of water.

I am 1.67 cms and currently weigh 81kgs.

Many thanks,

Melissa

ANSWER: Melissa,
You should be eating between 2300 and 2700 calories per day, and from what I am seeing- you aren't even close to that. That is what is slowing down your metabolism. I would also suggest adding some weight training to your routine- building muscle can boost your metabolism.

Be kind to yourself,
Lela

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello again Lela,

Thanks so much. I feel confused to be honest. It seems a catch 22 situation. I need to lose this weight but I also need to eat more. Right? Okay, I'll try to get my head around that.

I do use some weights but also don't want to bulk up.

Incidentally, I'm a little addicted to enemas and colonics etc and use laxatives regularly. What's your honest opinion there? Does that slow metabolism and make my body cling onto calories becasue I keep emptying it perhaps? I've been wondering but have nervous to ask anyone.

Many thanks.

Best wishes

Answer
Melissa,
Between laxative abuse, and too few calories you have sent your metabolism straight down the tube!

Think of it this way- your body know it isn't going to get enough calories to start with, and then once the calories get there, you aren't going to let them stay very long (because the laxative force your body to get rid of them)- so your body HOLDS ON to every last calorie it can, slowing your metabolism to a near stop. I would bet you feel tired most of the time and that anything that your body considers "extra"- like soft skin or shiny hair- is gone by the way side.

The fact of the matter is that this isn't a food issue, a nutrition issue, or a weight loss issue. This is a psychological/medical issue. You need to talk to your counselor more frankly about how active your eating disorder is, and possibly find a doctor that takes it more seriously- though your weight is up, you are exhibiting signs of bulimia now, and it is not uncommon even in "normal" to overweight people.  

I hope you feel better,
Lela Simon

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