Is underweight really an issue?
VeganEquestrian
Posts: 59 Member
Hi I'm recovering from anorexia. I am underweight but not by as much anymore. I'm 107 (used to be 98) and 5'6. I feel healthy and eat a normal amount of food now. Is it really necessary to gain to 115 (lowest healthy weight for my height) I have a lot of muscle and a fat percent of 16%.
What are the benefits of being 115 compared to 107?
Thanks
What are the benefits of being 115 compared to 107?
Thanks
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Replies
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Hi I'm recovering from anorexia. I am underweight but not by as much anymore. I'm 107 (used to be 98) and 5'6. I feel healthy and eat a normal amount of food now. Is it really necessary to gain to 115 (lowest healthy weight for my height) I have a lot of muscle and a fat percent of 16%.
What are the benefits of being 115 compared to 107?
Thanks
have you asked your doctor?0 -
First, great work on your recovery! I'm also 5'6" and I'd look like death warmed over at 107 pounds, but other folks look fantastic, so it's all about how you carry your weight, I guess. Gaining to 115 will have some good benefits and you could likely get there easily if you worked with some heavier weights and a protein increase (there are other folks here who have much more knowledge than I regarding the ins and outs of this process) while gaining definition and strength.
Having a few more pounds also helps to handle the normal fluctuations our bodies go through without dipping too dangerously low.
Benefits to lifting weights and gaining a bit of weight include healthy monthly cycles, increase in bone density, healthy muscle development, and increased cardiovascular health.
I would encourage you to go ahead and work on a gain with some weightlifting and see how you feel in a couple of months. Many women feel much stronger and healthier after incorporating a strength building regimen that includes several pounds and has the added benefit of definition and toning.0 -
have you asked your doctor?
This.0 -
Hi Ashley- yes there are benefits. Muscle weighs more than fat too so you might find if you are quite athletic your ideal weight won't be on the lowest healthy weight on the BMI chart- there are a lot of athletes- especially bodybuilders-whose BMI is overweight- but the reverse is rarely true.
When you say you eat a normal amount you should be eating at least maintenence on days where you are sedentary, and also eating a little bit extra to cover any exercise that you do.
The benefits of being a healthy BMI include a lowered risk of heart problems (including sudden death), better immune system, lowered risk of dental problems and osteoporosis later in life(many anorexics have early onset osteoporosis), less risk of breaking bones, lowered risk of alopecia and other issues caused by malnutrition. You'll also have a lot more energy and a better ability to concentrate, and better memory.
Speak to your dietitian about a meal plan and weight targets.Check out some of Kati Morton's videos on youtube for advice about recovery too. Well done for being on the road to recovery and I wish you all the best xx0 -
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Keep increasing your calories. I would hit up the gym. You could find lifting really enjoyable. It would be a healthy way to gain weight & focus your energy on that instead of the ED. Hope you find something that works for you.0
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I am vey active. I ride/train/sell horses as part of my job.
The problem is that when I do that I often burn 1000 cals in a day. So I've been eating like 3000 cals a day and only gaining very slowly. But when I eat 3000 cals I feel like I'm binging and I hate it! Also I feel like I've gotten quite big, which I know isn't true, but compared to 98 it feels true...
Also I am vegan (something I'm not willing to give up) so it's hard to find enough cals in food to get my required amount....0 -
Hi I'm recovering from anorexia. I am underweight but not by as much anymore. I'm 107 (used to be 98) and 5'6. I feel healthy and eat a normal amount of food now. Is it really necessary to gain to 115 (lowest healthy weight for my height) I have a lot of muscle and a fat percent of 16%.
What are the benefits of being 115 compared to 107?
Thanks
Congratulations on your recovery, Ashley!
As others have said, ask your doctor.
I've been underweight before, but not from eating disorders. I really don't feel as good when I'm underweight. So, hit 115 and see how you feel. I have a lot more energy and stamina when I'm not underweight, and my mood tends to be a LOT more stable.0 -
I am vey active. I ride/train/sell horses as part of my job.
The problem is that when I do that I often burn 1000 cals in a day. So I've been eating like 3000 cals a day and only gaining very slowly. But when I eat 3000 cals I feel like I'm binging and I hate it! Also I feel like I've gotten quite big, which I know isn't true, but compared to 98 it feels true...
Also I am vegan (something I'm not willing to give up) so it's hard to find enough cals in food to get my required amount....
You are still in recovery. Are you seeing a therapist? I say that only because you mentioned binging and feeling like you've gotten quite big...
Definitely ask your doctor.
You should eat more calorie dense foods. Nuts, avocado, cook your foods in olive oil, peanut butter. Protein shakes. All of those things can add calories.0 -
I am vey active. I ride/train/sell horses as part of my job.
The problem is that when I do that I often burn 1000 cals in a day. So I've been eating like 3000 cals a day and only gaining very slowly. But when I eat 3000 cals I feel like I'm binging and I hate it! Also I feel like I've gotten quite big, which I know isn't true, but compared to 98 it feels true...
Also I am vegan (something I'm not willing to give up) so it's hard to find enough cals in food to get my required amount....
Understandable. I'm a runner, I burn 1000+ a day sometimes. Eating 3000 calories is not binging if you are as active as we are! I've never been underweight, but I think what you are doing is fine. Slow weight gain is good. Don't feel guilty for eating! You are doing great. I know it feels weird weighing more than you are "used to", but that's all part of the process, just keep staying strong
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If your doctor isn't concerned, then do what makes you happy. It's your body, not anybody elses. I hate it when people tell me I need to gain weight!!
Congrats on the recovery. 0 -
The answer everyone LOVES to hear - "It depends!"
I agree with those that say to ask a doctor, none of us are qualified to tell you by seeing a picture and getting basic stats - even with more I wouldn't be qualified! But, I'll try to give what basic info I would feel comfortable saying...
Congratulations on getting past an eating disorder, that is a huge achievement. I would say to continue on the path you are on, it is obviously working for you. Gaining weight slowly is healthy for overcoming what you have. I would worry that if you tried to force yourself to gain quickly, that you could panic and go back to not eating properly. Focus on eating healthy foods, maintaining the active lifestyle you have and working on having a healthy relationship with food - viewing it as fuel and sustenance for your body, not as the enemy. I feel that as you continue on that path, your body will find a healthy, positive weight.
Also, if you are having a regular period again (since most don't when anorexic) that is a great sign that your body is getting back to a healthy stage. If you have not gotten your period back, then continue that slow weight gain until you do. That is a huge indicator for the female body that things are working properly. (Even though sometimes it is nice not to have to bother with aunt flo!!)
Keep at it! 0 -
K I'll try to keep going. I think part of the problem is I have a lot of clothes that I bought when I was very underweight and they are tighter on me know and that makes me feel huge.
Shopping spree?
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I recently got my period for the first time in over 6 months! Which is partly why I think I'm healthy now. But I've been spotting on and off ever since. Why is that? Because I didn't get it for so long?
P.S. I don't really like going to the doctor. They are annoying...0 -
Might just be your body adjusting. I would say to give it about 6 months since it first started coming again and see if it normalizes at that point. Every person and every body is different. Give it some time to settle, normalize and to "clean things out" first before you worry about it. You just got your period back, so continue slowly gaining in a healthy way like you're doing and your body will recover and normalize itself.
If in about 6 months your period has not become more regular I would go to a gyno just to have them check things out and give you the all clear. 0 -
Throw them out or, better still, drop them into a charity store. It doesn't help having them because it's all too tempting to try them on... and that just leads to guilt.K I'll try to keep going. I think part of the problem is I have a lot of clothes that I bought when I was very underweight and they are tighter on me know and that makes me feel huge.
Shopping spree?
You really need to be getting them consistently for a few months before you can be sure they're back for good. Again, something you need to speak with your doctor about. And yes, doctors are annoying because they tell us ED sufferers things we don't want to hearI recently got my period for the first time in over 6 months! Which is partly why I think I'm healthy now. But I've been spotting on and off ever since. Why is that? Because I didn't get it for so long?
P.S. I don't really like going to the doctor. They are annoying... 0 -
Bone density. Hormonal balance. Fertility. Immunity. Being underweight affects all of those things. Strive to put on a bit more weight. If you strive to increase lean body mass, this will improve bone density which is important now and in the future. You could be more prone to bone fractures and dealing with horses you could have a higher probability of injury that requires longer healing time.0
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Bone density. Hormonal balance. Fertility. Immunity. Being underweight affects all of those things. Strive to put on a bit more weight. If you strive to increase lean body mass, this will improve bone density which is important now and in the future. You could be more prone to bone fractures and dealing with horses you could have a higher probability of injury that requires longer healing time.
Oh my, yes, this!0 -
It depends. Like others have said, I'd ask these questions to your doctor and dietitian. They can help you better along the way.
And it all depends on the person too. I have a friend who is your height and she is very muscular and weighs 130 lbs. She is still very slender. However, she said that she never wants to get below 120 lbs because she says she looks like death at anything under 120 lbs.
We all also have different frame sizes as well. There could be two people of the same height.... they have different frame sizes and different body fat%. So one weight, even on a person of your same gender, age and height, could be right for them and not right for you.
However, I think it is best to strive to be within your healthy weight range. Some people are fine when they are slightly underweight, while others look dangerously thin. My BMI is 18.7 and I feel fine. But I have been anorexic myself ( I weighed in my 80s, but I am 2.5 inches shorter than you ) and I think I looked very sick when I am under 100 lbs. I'm not going to drop any more weight +- 1-2 lbs.
I would see how you feel at 110 or 115 lbs and go from there. But good job on your recovery. It is a very hard road and I wish you the best of luck.0 -
It honestly sounds like you are still working through issues. You should DEFINITELY talk to your Doctor. If you're having trouble meeting your caloric needs maybe your activity level is too high..........perhaps another issue to work through. Do you work out in addition to your job which already burns tons of calories? Again....talk to your Doctor about this. The short answer - yes, being underweight is NOT HEALTHY.
Disclaimer - yes I know some people are born thin and stay thin, that's different. This girl is a recovering anorexic.0 -
Anorexia (mine was caused by celiac disease) left me with low bone mass. 5'6" 107lbs is not replacing bone mass. Bone mass is critically important if you don't want to end up crippled. I highly recommend you gain muscles.This would be weight lifting not cardio. You will NOT bulk but look toned, like a fitness model only slightly less muscular, as they train long hours to look as muscular as they do. I easily burn 1000 calories and manage, while controlling my disease (NO gluten), to weigh 145lbs at 5'9" tall. I'm so glad to hear you've found some recovery now get that bone mass up!0
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You absolutely don't need to give up veganism as it's do-able to get enough calories from plant based foods.I have the opposite problem atm as I'm a vegan foodie trying to lose a bit of weight so maybe I can help!Also I am vegan (something I'm not willing to give up) so it's hard to find enough cals in food to get my required amount....
Drink smoothies and plant-milk or protein shakes for nutrient-dense breakfasts or snacks. Try things like nuts or protein flapjacks (Nakd, Trek etc) as snacks or things like nuts, seeds, hummus with dips, tahini, halva etc. Add a sprinkle of seeds or flaked almonds and a tahini dressing on your salads, with things like olives, marinated tofu, avocado etc through them, and rich coconut korma or peanut satay sauces. Try a few "cheeses" such as cashew-based Vegusto, and tofu jerky such as Primal Strips. Hope that gives you a few ideas x0 -
Please keep in mind that when you're in recovery, you're not just gaining muscle and fat. You're repairing damage to your bones and internal organs. A lot of the weight you gain won't be visible -- you can't see from looking at you whether or not you've gotten back to a healthy bone density, for example. I know you don't like doctors, but nobody on here can or should responsibly tell you whether or not you should stop gaining weight. That's a question that only a doctor can answer for you.0
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'I recently got my period for the first time in over 6 months! Which is partly why I think I'm healthy now. But I've been spotting on and off ever since. Why is that? Because I didn't get it for so long?
P.S. I don't really like going to the doctor. They are annoying...
Let's be honest. They are annoying to you because they are telling you things that you don't want to hear.
I've successfully recovered from an ED but, even 15 years later, there are some issues I still deal with like IBS. When my period came back it took a while, maybe even 6 months, to get back to normal. It's just going to take time but, if you want to be healthy, then keep eating what you need to eat to get back to a healthy weight. Just because your period started again, that doesn't mean you are healthy. It means you are on the road to healthy.
I strongly suggest that you seek counseling to help you through the transition. This is not a judgement. It's very hard to mentally adjust to recovery and food and weight gain and talking to an expert will give you some coping skills.0 -
congratulations on your recovery. it sounds like you are doing an amazing job. one benefit of gaining that addition 7-8 pounds or so is to enforce and secure your recovery. The closer you get to a healthy bmi...the better chance you have of NOT giving in to ED behaviors. This is something I have often heard. Whether it plays out true in practice--likely depends heavily on the individual. But if gaining to 115 is overwhelming right now...just focusing on maintaining. Keep up with your meal plan, and if you exercise--OVER compensate for those calories to prevent a loss. Good luck.0
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I am vey active. I ride/train/sell horses as part of my job.
The problem is that when I do that I often burn 1000 cals in a day. So I've been eating like 3000 cals a day and only gaining very slowly. But when I eat 3000 cals I feel like I'm binging and I hate it! Also I feel like I've gotten quite big, which I know isn't true, but compared to 98 it feels true...
Also I am vegan (something I'm not willing to give up) so it's hard to find enough cals in food to get my required amount....
You are still in recovery. Are you seeing a therapist? I say that only because you mentioned binging and feeling like you've gotten quite big...
Definitely ask your doctor.
You should eat more calorie dense foods. Nuts, avocado, cook your foods in olive oil, peanut butter. Protein shakes. All of those things can add calories.
^^^^^^^ This.
You have come very far and done a great job in your recovery, congrats! But you are still recovering. I can't say whether or not that weight is healthy for you, but the fact that you're hesitant to go up to 115 and trying to justify not doing so kind of stood out to me. Talk to your doctor and see what they say. Good luck to you! 0 -
I was severely anorexic most of my life.
My lowest was 80 lbs ,I had a heart attack. At age 30.
Due to my illness.I have no immune system anymore.
And have brittle bones.
What you dont know is being that tiny and starving.yourself.your body starts
To eat away at your fat what happens when.you have no fat exactly.
I work hard everyday to make sure I eat .
Nausea and shakiness and feeling like I might faint
Are now an everyday occurance.
I have to keep a calendar to make sure I have eaten.
Because I forget to eat.I am a very active person.
Eating.just is not a priority in my day.
I have kept a weight of 135 for months now.
I actually.looked at the scales again for the first time in 15 years.
It started a month ago I sneak it.
But ,I dont feel like im fat anymore .
I get dissapointed in myself if I go below 135.
It all started again because of people around me saying
Girl you look better now you used to have dark circles under.your eyes and
You were to skinny.you gained weight.good.for.you.
I remember having.to shop in the little girl department to get jeans.
Double.0's are not made for women.
A year ago I would have picked up a.size one jean and been like ewwe.
Now I pick it.up and say I wish I was that thin again. I will never win against
My own battle but at least I know I can try to maintain a better weight.0 -
for me, issue = when i am not carrying enough calories on my person to do at least 1 hard burn (e.g. run >1 mi) without eating first, i am not carrying enough calories on my person. i know this happens around <115 for me (i'm 5'5" usually 120 lbs, trying to gain) but i don't pay attention to the scale. i mostly pay attention to how i am feeling, esp how i feel when i'm exercising. i'm a habitual undereater/overfaster, so i have a strange relationship with my hunger signals (they work, and i don't ignore them; i just like feeling hungry). i feel very, very wrong (and sick) if i feel like i don't have the wherewithall to get up and run away from danger at a eyeblink's notice. that is what "underweight" means to me, and it is an issue that i still struggle with occasionally.
ed for typo
eata INDIAN FOOD INDIAN FOOD INDIAN FOOD it never gets boring0 -
I don't have much experience dealing with EDs, but I'll still give my two cents on what you can do.
Lean meats, complex carbohydrates, adequate water hydration, healthy juices, and moderate amounts of strength training, Overtime you'll definitely gain healthy weight.0 -
I wouldn't be too fixated on that 115 number, the BMI scale isn't really a great marker for individuals.
What IS, though, is body fat percentage and yours is too low. Your body needs a certain amount of adipose tissue to function properly. For a female, maintaining a BF% that's too low has numerous potential health risks including infertility, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The lower it is, the more at risk you are. A healthy BF% for a woman in your age range is 18-24%.
You have done amazing so far! Get that BF% up to a healthy level. 0
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