Help. Too thin and overwhelmed

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Replies

  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    Invest in an ice cream making machine and have fun creating new combinations. You can do this!! Be good to yourself! Hugs
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    Hi Hannah! I am so glad you sought some help, you should be proud of yourself! Pinterest is a sanctuary for finding recipes that fit your goals - they have some pretty cool ice cream combos. More props to you if you already know how to cook; if not, it's an interesting but fun learning experience. You can ask your nutritionist about any cooking classes (local co-ops and restaurants/bakeries also provide them); it's a great way to learn how to prepare different meals and meet people at the same time.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited October 2016
    comptonelizabeth wrote: »
    SLLRunner wrote: »
    CALS0CCERBEAR87 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    this post screams some kind of eating disorder...I would suggest getting help from a trained professional....

    my advice..

    eat in a calorie surplus of 250 calories
    get on a structured lifting program
    seek help from a professional

    uhhh...just because what she wrote "screams" ED (to someone such as yourself) doesn't mean it actually IS...so I would think twice before suggesting things as serious as professional help from out of thin air

    No. This warrants concern. Even Hannah herself said so.

    Yes it warrants concern. And the op has recognised it and come here for help. She's been suffering from depression - an illness. I also joined mfp because I recognised I'd lost too much weight due to a chronic illness. It doesn't automatically follow that it's an eating disorder and in fact it was people's (including doctors )assumption that I had an eating disorder that delayed my diagnosis of IBD.
    Hannah there's some great advice above and I'm a newbie so won't add to it except to wish you luck. And I'd agree about seeing a dietician - it helped me a lot.

    Whatever the reason for a recent weight loss that leaves one too thin and not knowing how to correct it, including depression or, of course, unknown causes which could be medical in nature, would be a reason to see a trained professional. There's nothing negative about doing that or a stigma in seeking help, so I don't understand the "oh, no, this might not require such a drastic step!" posts (not so much yours, but the one from soccerbear). If it were medical, as certainly would have been possible without more information, that too would be a reason.

    Anyway, I agree that seeing a dietitian is a good idea.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited October 2016
    comptonelizabeth wrote: »
    SLLRunner wrote: »
    Hannahrose888 wrote: »
    Thank you everybody for your responses.
    For those curious, after visiting my parents I have realized that I badly need to gain at least 5 pounds and need to adjust my eating habits. That is why I am seeking help. I am pretty sure that the source of my scary weight is depression after recently relocating to a new city away from family. The last few months I have felt too lonely and sad to eat, but I am starting to adjust and feel better. At first I liked the weight loss, I eventhought I looked better. However, I am now realizing that my weight has dropped too low. I am now afraid that I will/do have health issues. Right now I am setting my goal weight for 95 pounds (I want to take baby steps.) Any advice for gaining ten pounds safely? Also any long term diet advise? Thanks
    Btw: I did have a check up last week. Oddly the doctor never mentioned any concerns about my weight.

    Hi Hannah,

    I'm surprised your doctor did not mention any weight concerns. Do you realize that 88 pounds is 23 pounds below the lowest normal weight for your height, and 95 pounds is 16 pounds underweight? You can see for yourself <3

    I don't understand this chart - not arguing ,just genuinely baffled! I'm also 5'3 and weigh around 120 lbs. According to the chart I'm underweight but I don't think I am. I'm trying to gain weight because I look and feel better when I'm heavier. But I'm not "medically underweight "surely? Isn't BMI a better indicator? (Mine is around 22)
    I agree that 88 lbs is definitely underweight!

    You aren't. (I'm 5'3 and 125 and could definitely lose more weight. I think the scale for 5'3 goes down to 105 -- edit: just checked and I guess 108 is the bottom end.)
  • WinoGelato
    WinoGelato Posts: 13,454 Member
    OP it sounds like you've gotten some good advice here and are open to taking it. As others have said, working with a medical team to help you with both the physical and psychological aspects of your ED is very important and I'm glad you are seeking help.

    I know you were put off by your family and friends suggesting you eat more "junk" food but I think they were probably concerned about your weight and thinking that calorie dense foods were probably a quick and tasty way to get you to put some pounds back on. I'm sure they were very well meaning with those suggestions, and it's important to remember that you can fit quite a few of those foods into an overall healthy diet.
  • KristinHR01
    KristinHR01 Posts: 51 Member
    Good job Hannah, I'm glad you're getting the help you need. Working with a therapist will definitely help you. I would suggest Googling some recipes and cook food that interests you. Use full fat ingredients (whole milk, whole greek yogurt, butter, etc) instead of light ingredients and you'll see a difference.
  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    I just want to say, chocolate_owl, that your reply is brilliant and you've said it so much better than the rest of us.:)
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    CALS0CCERBEAR87 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    this post screams some kind of eating disorder...I would suggest getting help from a trained professional....

    my advice..

    eat in a calorie surplus of 250 calories
    get on a structured lifting program
    seek help from a professional

    uhhh...just because what she wrote "screams" ED (to someone such as yourself) doesn't mean it actually IS...so I would think twice before suggesting things as serious as professional help from out of thin air

    so you are saying that someone that is 5'3 and 88 pounds is at a regular weight and has zero cause for concern...really????
  • ndj1979
    ndj1979 Posts: 29,136 Member
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Ok being underweight doesnt make her have an ED and people suggesting it are either jerks OR uneducated about eating disorders. 88lbs is small, yes. The smallest recommended "ideal" weight for 5'3" is 107lbs. She would be about 19lbs underweight. That's not that much, especially if she has a tiny frame and her curves (chest and booty) are modest. She may just be more active than she realizes, have a thyroid issues or active metabolism or just not get that hungry. Or maybe she eats really healthy so it ends up low calorie. You're really judging a lot to assume she's just underweight on purpose, especially when she is asking how to gain weight. People with EDs who want to be underweight don't ask for help gaining 10lbs because they feel unattractive! I'm over 200lbs and I have a form of bulimia so you can not diagnose an ED by someone's weight.

    NEXT: To the original poster@Hannahrose888 Things you can eat that are healthy and still good for calories - Avocados, Beans, Potatoes, banana Rice, Pasta, Sauces/Condiments, natural oils, etc. Avocados/Guacamole are pretty high in calories if you can manage to eat a whole one. If you added just one a day to what you normally eat to maintain your weight then you *should* in theory gain about 1/2 pound per week with just that. One baked potato (with butter would be good!) and one banana in a day would be about the same.

    hmmm op is underweight, suffering depression (her own admission), and thinks she only needs to gain five pounds, but everyone suggesting she seek professional help is an uniformed jerk? Ok, keep telling yourself that. How is the view from up there?
  • comptonelizabeth
    comptonelizabeth Posts: 1,701 Member
    The op has also asked us not to attack people.
    In fairness I think some of this was posted before she came back with more information. Personally I do think it can be jumping the gun to suggest that if someone is underweight then it follows they have an eating disorder. And she said she feels overwhelmed, so comments about being dangerously underweight could be alarming and actually make her feel more overwhelmed.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    I'm glad to see you went to see someone, but a "nutritionist" doesn't necessarily mean they know much since there are no real qualifications and I would really urge you to see a Registered Dietitian since you may have some other underlying issue that they can address and a nutritionist cannot. Also, I'm going to suggest a little more aggressive weight gain than most because you aren't worried about muscle vs fat gain you need both and you'll get a fair amount of muscle gain just because you are so underweight.

    Eat in a manner you are comfortable with but eat enough to gain a pound or so a week for a month then you can worry about how you are putting on muscle vs fat ratios etc for the rest of your gains. You can always correct course if you feel you are gaining too much fat, but looking at your picture and hearing your stats I'm going to say that you need more fat than muscle anyway and that it's going to be more of a psychological than physical battle to put on the weight you need.

    Good luck to you.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Also, height and weight
    comptonelizabeth wrote: »
    SLLRunner wrote: »
    Hannahrose888 wrote: »
    Thank you everybody for your responses.
    For those curious, after visiting my parents I have realized that I badly need to gain at least 5 pounds and need to adjust my eating habits. That is why I am seeking help. I am pretty sure that the source of my scary weight is depression after recently relocating to a new city away from family. The last few months I have felt too lonely and sad to eat, but I am starting to adjust and feel better. At first I liked the weight loss, I eventhought I looked better. However, I am now realizing that my weight has dropped too low. I am now afraid that I will/do have health issues. Right now I am setting my goal weight for 95 pounds (I want to take baby steps.) Any advice for gaining ten pounds safely? Also any long term diet advise? Thanks
    Btw: I did have a check up last week. Oddly the doctor never mentioned any concerns about my weight.

    Hi Hannah,

    I'm surprised your doctor did not mention any weight concerns. Do you realize that 88 pounds is 23 pounds below the lowest normal weight for your height, and 95 pounds is 16 pounds underweight? You can see for yourself <3

    I don't understand this chart - not arguing ,just genuinely baffled! I'm also 5'3 and weigh around 120 lbs. According to the chart I'm underweight but I don't think I am. I'm trying to gain weight because I look and feel better when I'm heavier. But I'm not "medically underweight "surely? Isn't BMI a better indicator? (Mine is around 22)
    I agree that 88 lbs is definitely underweight!

    Not put so badly yourself. Also, height and weight charts differ. You're not underweight according to this one here

    Not sure what you were looking at but the BMI calculator has her at 15.6 (underweight) and the chart starts at 107 for her height. Even at 4'10" the lowest height on the chart 88 pounds is still underweight.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,426 MFP Moderator
    Wheelhouse15 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Also, height and weight
    comptonelizabeth wrote: »
    SLLRunner wrote: »
    Hannahrose888 wrote: »
    Thank you everybody for your responses.
    For those curious, after visiting my parents I have realized that I badly need to gain at least 5 pounds and need to adjust my eating habits. That is why I am seeking help. I am pretty sure that the source of my scary weight is depression after recently relocating to a new city away from family. The last few months I have felt too lonely and sad to eat, but I am starting to adjust and feel better. At first I liked the weight loss, I eventhought I looked better. However, I am now realizing that my weight has dropped too low. I am now afraid that I will/do have health issues. Right now I am setting my goal weight for 95 pounds (I want to take baby steps.) Any advice for gaining ten pounds safely? Also any long term diet advise? Thanks
    Btw: I did have a check up last week. Oddly the doctor never mentioned any concerns about my weight.

    Hi Hannah,

    I'm surprised your doctor did not mention any weight concerns. Do you realize that 88 pounds is 23 pounds below the lowest normal weight for your height, and 95 pounds is 16 pounds underweight? You can see for yourself <3

    I don't understand this chart - not arguing ,just genuinely baffled! I'm also 5'3 and weigh around 120 lbs. According to the chart I'm underweight but I don't think I am. I'm trying to gain weight because I look and feel better when I'm heavier. But I'm not "medically underweight "surely? Isn't BMI a better indicator? (Mine is around 22)
    I agree that 88 lbs is definitely underweight!

    Not put so badly yourself. Also, height and weight charts differ. You're not underweight according to this one here

    Not sure what you were looking at but the BMI calculator has her at 15.6 (underweight) and the chart starts at 107 for her height. Even at 4'10" the lowest height on the chart 88 pounds is still underweight.

    That reference was for comptonelizabeth not the OP.
  • Wheelhouse15
    Wheelhouse15 Posts: 5,575 Member
    psulemon wrote: »
    Wheelhouse15 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Also, height and weight
    comptonelizabeth wrote: »
    SLLRunner wrote: »
    Hannahrose888 wrote: »
    Thank you everybody for your responses.
    For those curious, after visiting my parents I have realized that I badly need to gain at least 5 pounds and need to adjust my eating habits. That is why I am seeking help. I am pretty sure that the source of my scary weight is depression after recently relocating to a new city away from family. The last few months I have felt too lonely and sad to eat, but I am starting to adjust and feel better. At first I liked the weight loss, I eventhought I looked better. However, I am now realizing that my weight has dropped too low. I am now afraid that I will/do have health issues. Right now I am setting my goal weight for 95 pounds (I want to take baby steps.) Any advice for gaining ten pounds safely? Also any long term diet advise? Thanks
    Btw: I did have a check up last week. Oddly the doctor never mentioned any concerns about my weight.

    Hi Hannah,

    I'm surprised your doctor did not mention any weight concerns. Do you realize that 88 pounds is 23 pounds below the lowest normal weight for your height, and 95 pounds is 16 pounds underweight? You can see for yourself <3

    I don't understand this chart - not arguing ,just genuinely baffled! I'm also 5'3 and weigh around 120 lbs. According to the chart I'm underweight but I don't think I am. I'm trying to gain weight because I look and feel better when I'm heavier. But I'm not "medically underweight "surely? Isn't BMI a better indicator? (Mine is around 22)
    I agree that 88 lbs is definitely underweight!

    Not put so badly yourself. Also, height and weight charts differ. You're not underweight according to this one here

    Not sure what you were looking at but the BMI calculator has her at 15.6 (underweight) and the chart starts at 107 for her height. Even at 4'10" the lowest height on the chart 88 pounds is still underweight.

    That reference was for comptonelizabeth not the OP.

    Thanks, I missed that part.
  • avygyaru
    avygyaru Posts: 51 Member
    Hannahrose888 wrote: »
    Btw I also realized that the source of my weight loss after speaking to my nutritionist is eating too healthy and being more active than I thought. It took me much too long to realize that I was taking in so little calories. Also after tracking my walking, I realized that I was burning more calories than I thought. Ugh I feel so stupid now.


    Don't feel stupid. Just consider yourself informed now. And not for nothing, depression will do that. If can contribute to gaining AND losing.

    Anyway, just commenting to say I'd find a new primary doctor if I was you. If you are so thin that YOU think it looks unhealthy, coupled with others saying the same out of concern, and your numbers are also showing you're seriously underweight-- that doctor should have said something. If you were overweight, I'd bet money he/she would have said something. Being very underweight is serious, too.

    Also, regarding exercise, try some resistance training or weights. Pilates is good. I know people will say "but she's trying to gain weight and you're telling her to burn more calories." What I'm saying is that making your body physically stronger is good for you physically and mentally. It can help with your depression and if can also help make you hungrier so you'll eat more. You already enjoy healthy foods so eating more will not hurt you.

    Anyway, good luck with everything.
  • Verity1111
    Verity1111 Posts: 3,309 Member
    edited October 2016
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Ok being underweight doesnt make her have an ED and people suggesting it are either jerks OR uneducated about eating disorders. 88lbs is small, yes. The smallest recommended "ideal" weight for 5'3" is 107lbs. She would be about 19lbs underweight. That's not that much, especially if she has a tiny frame and her curves (chest and booty) are modest. She may just be more active than she realizes, have a thyroid issues or active metabolism or just not get that hungry. Or maybe she eats really healthy so it ends up low calorie. You're really judging a lot to assume she's just underweight on purpose, especially when she is asking how to gain weight. People with EDs who want to be underweight don't ask for help gaining 10lbs because they feel unattractive! I'm over 200lbs and I have a form of bulimia so you can not diagnose an ED by someone's weight.

    NEXT: To the original poster@Hannahrose888 Things you can eat that are healthy and still good for calories - Avocados, Beans, Potatoes, banana Rice, Pasta, Sauces/Condiments, natural oils, etc. Avocados/Guacamole are pretty high in calories if you can manage to eat a whole one. If you added just one a day to what you normally eat to maintain your weight then you *should* in theory gain about 1/2 pound per week with just that. One baked potato (with butter would be good!) and one banana in a day would be about the same.

    hmmm op is underweight, suffering depression (her own admission), and thinks she only needs to gain five pounds, but everyone suggesting she seek professional help is an uniformed jerk? Ok, keep telling yourself that. How is the view from up there?

    She actually asked to gain TEN pounds AND she went to see a nutritionist who told her she really only needs to gain 11minimum. Her not knowing what is normal for her height does NOT give her an ED. I have an ED and no way in hell would someone with a full on legit ED ask to gain weight unless they have an ED that makes them want to be gigantic (it happens). To have an ED, for example, anorexia, you need to WANT to be thin or really be afraid of food. She confirmed, as I said, that the nutritionist said she was eating "too healthy" so to speak or not eating enough fats and that because she walks so much she was burning way more than she realized. That's not an ED!

    eat·ing dis·or·der
    noun
    noun: eating disorder; plural noun: eating disorders
    any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits

    There is nothing to say this girl has a psychological disorder. She only suffered from distraction and lack of information regarding calorie content and exercise/energy output.
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
    Nathanae wrote: »
    Never listen to people who tell you to eat junk food*!
    Being skinny isn't a reason to abuse your body! There are good and healthy foods that will help you gain weight AND feel good and have nice skin!
    Just add seeds and nuts to your diet wherever you can, eat regular snacks, just have a tablespoon of peanutbutter or two before you leave the house or in the evening (the unsweetened kind would be better, because it usually doesn't contain palm oil either, but whatever you have in the house)
    ----> if you don't know what fruit to eat, eat a banana or mango instead of berries or an apple. eat pumpkin and cooked carrots instead of steamed broccoli, finish with a bit of cream (overall: full fat milk products) add loads of Avocado, seeds and Feta cheese and such to your salads, dress your food with lots of healthy oils (linseed, rapeseed, olive)... just leaf through a calorie list of common fruit and vegetables and mark the ones that are high in calories, so next time you choose your sides, you know what to go for.
    Avoid empty calories from white bread. yes, wholegrain will make you full for longer, but it also has more calories and will do your guts some good.
    Keep exercising, but put more focus on strength building rather than overly long cardio workouts (unless your goal is to run a marathon). The occasional glass of dry red wine will do your heart good, too! :)

    *...and DO enjoy the odd Pizza if you feel like it! (you can never be sure what people mean by junk food, so I wanted to make sure). Some takeaways are delicious and good and just beautiful in their own way and need to be eaten, regardless of the calories, like good Indian Curries which are definitely NOT junk, albeit very high in fat, usually, but also cancer fighting with all its tumeric)! :smiley:

    Good, but I want to point out that so-called junk can be included in the way of eating. Yes, stuffing ones face with junk isn't recommended, but a little ice cream, chocolate, cookies and chips along side nutritious foods can create a healthier relationship with food itself. Demonizing foods when someone clearly is having a hard time with it is a recipe for disaster...this is what my dietician keeps saying. I'm sorry, but white bread is not empty calories.. it contains carbs, and quite a few micros.

    Turmeric is cancer fighting? That is a HUGE claim. Do you have any scientific sources to back this up?
  • chocolate_owl
    chocolate_owl Posts: 1,695 Member
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Ok being underweight doesnt make her have an ED and people suggesting it are either jerks OR uneducated about eating disorders. 88lbs is small, yes. The smallest recommended "ideal" weight for 5'3" is 107lbs. She would be about 19lbs underweight. That's not that much, especially if she has a tiny frame and her curves (chest and booty) are modest. She may just be more active than she realizes, have a thyroid issues or active metabolism or just not get that hungry. Or maybe she eats really healthy so it ends up low calorie. You're really judging a lot to assume she's just underweight on purpose, especially when she is asking how to gain weight. People with EDs who want to be underweight don't ask for help gaining 10lbs because they feel unattractive! I'm over 200lbs and I have a form of bulimia so you can not diagnose an ED by someone's weight.

    NEXT: To the original poster@Hannahrose888 Things you can eat that are healthy and still good for calories - Avocados, Beans, Potatoes, banana Rice, Pasta, Sauces/Condiments, natural oils, etc. Avocados/Guacamole are pretty high in calories if you can manage to eat a whole one. If you added just one a day to what you normally eat to maintain your weight then you *should* in theory gain about 1/2 pound per week with just that. One baked potato (with butter would be good!) and one banana in a day would be about the same.

    hmmm op is underweight, suffering depression (her own admission), and thinks she only needs to gain five pounds, but everyone suggesting she seek professional help is an uniformed jerk? Ok, keep telling yourself that. How is the view from up there?

    She actually asked to gain TEN pounds AND she went to see a nutritionist who told her she really only needs to gain 11minimum. Her not knowing what is normal for her height does NOT give her an ED. I have an ED and no way in hell would someone with a full on legit ED ask to gain weight unless they have an ED that makes them want to be gigantic (it happens). To have an ED, for example, anorexia, you need to WANT to be thin or really be afraid of food. She confirmed, as I said, that the nutritionist said she was eating "too healthy" so to speak or not eating enough fats and that because she walks so much she was burning way more than she realized. That's not an ED!

    eat·ing dis·or·der
    noun
    noun: eating disorder; plural noun: eating disorders
    any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits

    There is nothing to say this girl has a psychological disorder. She only suffered from distraction and lack of information regarding calorie content and exercise/energy output.

    Not every eating disorder is anorexia or bulimia, not every eating disorder involves fear of weight gain, and not every eating disorder involves fear of food. There's a broad range of behaviors and severity - not every eating disorder falls neatly into the category of anorexia or bulimia. While we are not qualified to sit here behind our keyboards and diagnose anyone, there were red flags that popped up right away that indicated professional help was a good idea, and you suggesting that being underweight by 19 pounds isn't a big deal and insisting she doesn't have an ED shows you really need more education on the topic before you go around giving advice. It's also not up to you to decide what a "legit" ED is.

    https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid

    Disclaimer: I am not diagnosing the OP, but based on what she's described, I would absolutely think she needs to talk to someone about a potential eating disorder and see what steps should be taken to get to a healthy weight. Thankfully she's done so, and it seems like she's got a good plan in place.
  • Verity1111
    Verity1111 Posts: 3,309 Member
    chocolate_owl wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Ok being underweight doesnt make her have an ED and people suggesting it are either jerks OR uneducated about eating disorders. 88lbs is small, yes. The smallest recommended "ideal" weight for 5'3" is 107lbs. She would be about 19lbs underweight. That's not that much, especially if she has a tiny frame and her curves (chest and booty) are modest. She may just be more active than she realizes, have a thyroid issues or active metabolism or just not get that hungry. Or maybe she eats really healthy so it ends up low calorie. You're really judging a lot to assume she's just underweight on purpose, especially when she is asking how to gain weight. People with EDs who want to be underweight don't ask for help gaining 10lbs because they feel unattractive! I'm over 200lbs and I have a form of bulimia so you can not diagnose an ED by someone's weight.

    NEXT: To the original poster@Hannahrose888 Things you can eat that are healthy and still good for calories - Avocados, Beans, Potatoes, banana Rice, Pasta, Sauces/Condiments, natural oils, etc. Avocados/Guacamole are pretty high in calories if you can manage to eat a whole one. If you added just one a day to what you normally eat to maintain your weight then you *should* in theory gain about 1/2 pound per week with just that. One baked potato (with butter would be good!) and one banana in a day would be about the same.

    hmmm op is underweight, suffering depression (her own admission), and thinks she only needs to gain five pounds, but everyone suggesting she seek professional help is an uniformed jerk? Ok, keep telling yourself that. How is the view from up there?

    She actually asked to gain TEN pounds AND she went to see a nutritionist who told her she really only needs to gain 11minimum. Her not knowing what is normal for her height does NOT give her an ED. I have an ED and no way in hell would someone with a full on legit ED ask to gain weight unless they have an ED that makes them want to be gigantic (it happens). To have an ED, for example, anorexia, you need to WANT to be thin or really be afraid of food. She confirmed, as I said, that the nutritionist said she was eating "too healthy" so to speak or not eating enough fats and that because she walks so much she was burning way more than she realized. That's not an ED!

    eat·ing dis·or·der
    noun
    noun: eating disorder; plural noun: eating disorders
    any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits

    There is nothing to say this girl has a psychological disorder. She only suffered from distraction and lack of information regarding calorie content and exercise/energy output.

    Not every eating disorder is anorexia or bulimia, not every eating disorder involves fear of weight gain, and not every eating disorder involves fear of food. There's a broad range of behaviors and severity - not every eating disorder falls neatly into the category of anorexia or bulimia. While we are not qualified to sit here behind our keyboards and diagnose anyone, there were red flags that popped up right away that indicated professional help was a good idea, and you suggesting that being underweight by 19 pounds isn't a big deal and insisting she doesn't have an ED shows you really need more education on the topic before you go around giving advice. It's also not up to you to decide what a "legit" ED is.

    https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid

    Disclaimer: I am not diagnosing the OP, but based on what she's described, I would absolutely think she needs to talk to someone about a potential eating disorder and see what steps should be taken to get to a healthy weight. Thankfully she's done so, and it seems like she's got a good plan in place.

    Yeah no. I am educated. Ive went to school for psychology and I do know what Im talking about. I specifically said she has to have a fear of food. That's what that says!

    "Lack of interest in food or poor appetite.
    Fears about negative consequences of eating (e.g., vomiting, choking, allergic reaction).
    Selective or picky eating."

    She didn't say she has a lack of interest or anything. For all you know she eats a LOT but it's vegetables and fruit or fish, etc! She eats what she likes. Just because it's low calorie does NOT indicate a disorder. She didn't mention having any of those three and to jump to conclusions is ridiculous.
  • Verity1111
    Verity1111 Posts: 3,309 Member
    edited October 2016
    Also, just for an idea, she could be eating 1200-1400 calories per day and maintaining her weight if she is low to moderately active. That is not extremely low for her height. It wouldn't be too difficult to accidentally eat that low. She would only need an extra 100-200 calories per day to maintain 115lbs which her nutritionist recommended as her high weight. If she walks enough to make her very active she needs to eat 1700ish according to a calculator I used. That would make it easy to under-eat without intending to.

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/macronutcal.htm
  • chocolate_owl
    chocolate_owl Posts: 1,695 Member
    edited October 2016
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    chocolate_owl wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    ndj1979 wrote: »
    Verity1111 wrote: »
    Ok being underweight doesnt make her have an ED and people suggesting it are either jerks OR uneducated about eating disorders. 88lbs is small, yes. The smallest recommended "ideal" weight for 5'3" is 107lbs. She would be about 19lbs underweight. That's not that much, especially if she has a tiny frame and her curves (chest and booty) are modest. She may just be more active than she realizes, have a thyroid issues or active metabolism or just not get that hungry. Or maybe she eats really healthy so it ends up low calorie. You're really judging a lot to assume she's just underweight on purpose, especially when she is asking how to gain weight. People with EDs who want to be underweight don't ask for help gaining 10lbs because they feel unattractive! I'm over 200lbs and I have a form of bulimia so you can not diagnose an ED by someone's weight.

    NEXT: To the original poster@Hannahrose888 Things you can eat that are healthy and still good for calories - Avocados, Beans, Potatoes, banana Rice, Pasta, Sauces/Condiments, natural oils, etc. Avocados/Guacamole are pretty high in calories if you can manage to eat a whole one. If you added just one a day to what you normally eat to maintain your weight then you *should* in theory gain about 1/2 pound per week with just that. One baked potato (with butter would be good!) and one banana in a day would be about the same.

    hmmm op is underweight, suffering depression (her own admission), and thinks she only needs to gain five pounds, but everyone suggesting she seek professional help is an uniformed jerk? Ok, keep telling yourself that. How is the view from up there?

    She actually asked to gain TEN pounds AND she went to see a nutritionist who told her she really only needs to gain 11minimum. Her not knowing what is normal for her height does NOT give her an ED. I have an ED and no way in hell would someone with a full on legit ED ask to gain weight unless they have an ED that makes them want to be gigantic (it happens). To have an ED, for example, anorexia, you need to WANT to be thin or really be afraid of food. She confirmed, as I said, that the nutritionist said she was eating "too healthy" so to speak or not eating enough fats and that because she walks so much she was burning way more than she realized. That's not an ED!

    eat·ing dis·or·der
    noun
    noun: eating disorder; plural noun: eating disorders
    any of a range of psychological disorders characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits

    There is nothing to say this girl has a psychological disorder. She only suffered from distraction and lack of information regarding calorie content and exercise/energy output.

    Not every eating disorder is anorexia or bulimia, not every eating disorder involves fear of weight gain, and not every eating disorder involves fear of food. There's a broad range of behaviors and severity - not every eating disorder falls neatly into the category of anorexia or bulimia. While we are not qualified to sit here behind our keyboards and diagnose anyone, there were red flags that popped up right away that indicated professional help was a good idea, and you suggesting that being underweight by 19 pounds isn't a big deal and insisting she doesn't have an ED shows you really need more education on the topic before you go around giving advice. It's also not up to you to decide what a "legit" ED is.

    https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disorder-arfid

    Disclaimer: I am not diagnosing the OP, but based on what she's described, I would absolutely think she needs to talk to someone about a potential eating disorder and see what steps should be taken to get to a healthy weight. Thankfully she's done so, and it seems like she's got a good plan in place.

    Yeah no. I am educated. Ive went to school for psychology and I do know what Im talking about. I specifically said she has to have a fear of food. That's what that says!

    "Lack of interest in food or poor appetite.
    Fears about negative consequences of eating (e.g., vomiting, choking, allergic reaction).
    Selective or picky eating."

    She didn't say she has a lack of interest or anything. For all you know she eats a LOT but it's vegetables and fruit or fish, etc! She eats what she likes. Just because it's low calorie does NOT indicate a disorder. She didn't mention having any of those three and to jump to conclusions is ridiculous.

    I'm not diagnosing her. I'm saying there's red flags that have some consistency with a known eating disorder, and she should talk to someone. Why is that such a problem to you?

    And regardless of what she's eating, she's not at a healthy weight and she needs to figure out how to get there.
  • Hamsibian
    Hamsibian Posts: 1,388 Member
    Everyone, please let's bring it back to the op. Hannah recognizes that she needs help and is currently seeking it. There is no reason to beat a dead horse at this point.

    Good day to you all.

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