Gaining weight by exercising more and eating less---Could it be starvation mode?
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CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly0 -
Well you're definitely not:-/ as to how many credentials your dietician has, I work in the medical industry and know professionals with masters degrees that have been learning their field for over 10 years and are STILL learning new things. It's only pieces of paper. Some just do it for the money (I do it because I'm actually passionate about helping people). A person can be a great student, but putting things into practise, in the real world, from the experience I'VE had in the medical world, doesn't mean the be all and end all. People here have given great advice, many with the exact same advice, that have learned from PERSONAL experience rather than from papers.
Good luck:-)2 -
Two cents: Maybe what you need is not an RD but a therapist. This seems more like a mental health issue than a physical issue, as you are obviously underweight and still unhappy. Sending you nothing much positivity and love.
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So, to recap, in your case adaptive thermogenesis is probably not a myth.
You have competent, in person, help with access to your history which includes ED.
You are at a BMI of ~20 right now and trying to "lose a few lbs".
You call yourself "fat and ugly" at a BMI of 20. And appear to be thinking that losing 5lbs will change that kind of thinking when you ought to know that it won't.
Via simple google searches regarding re-feed and recovery protocols, we discover that recovery from anorexia often includes goals of BMI 22 or higher. Some studies I believe point to the best chance of recovery being achieved by re-feeding to a BMI range of 22 to 25.
Part of the reason for that is that changes in brain chemistry and hormones take place when these higher BMIs are reached and these changes are unlikely to have taken place at lower weight levels. These changes are necessary to reverse the ED. Your system (body) needs to have resources to repair the damage that years of not enough resources have created.
During recovery from anorexia, there also appear to be situations where people need to eat significantly more than non affected people would in order to regain weight (hypermetabolism during recovery)
All this leads to the facts that you:
--need the individualised, in person, plan and support which you currently appear to have in place.
--that your concern with 5lbs at a BMI of 20 is more an issue of disquiet as opposed to one of comfort in terms of the state of your recovery.
--that your amount of exercise and food are also an issue of disquiet as opposed to one of comfort in terms of the state of your recovery.
This forum conversation is not a suitable vehicle to addressing your health concerns.
Your RD **IS** the most suitable person to be discussing all this with and probably the person whose advice you should be following.
Take care.
ETA: If your RD doesn't specialise in recovery from eating disorders asking for a reference to someone who does might be "A REALLY GOOD IDEA".31 -
CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
Massive red flag. Are you currently in counseling?10 -
CorinnePina wrote: »
No, I think I am fat and ugly
This isn't a nutrition issue. I think it best you look into finding someone to chat with about this part of it. Good luck!8 -
CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
Massive red flag. Are you currently in counseling?
NO.0 -
CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
Massive red flag. Are you currently in counseling?
NO.
Do you think maybe you should be?7 -
CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
Hun - if that is truly how you feel, then I have a feeling that you haven't truly recovered from the eating disorder that plagued you before. I understand the struggle, but you have got to see it for what it is -- an unhealthy body image. I used to be in your shoes - I felt fat at BMI 21. took a while to for those around me to help me see the absurdity of it all - even so, for the longest time, I couldn't help feeling negative. Over time I'm learning to accept my body weight and focus on other measurements of fitness - am I running faster, getting injured less, feeling more energetic.. I am still struggling some times - but acknowledging the issue is an important first step. If that's you in he photo with Hilary, then I say you are beautiful!5 -
CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Oh, I didn't see your edit. I thought maybe you had a couple vanity pounds to lose, but if you have been anorexic in the past that's a whole other story. Anorexia is one of those few things that can mess up your metabolism, but I am going to agree with the posters telling you to look at therapy. If you believe you are netting 800 calories a day and believe you are fat that does not sound mentally healthy for you. I think you should up your calories and seek therapy to help you deal with any changes this brings.0 -
Starvation mode isn't real.
Nutritionist isn't a real thing. Not in the way that matters. Anyone can say they're a nutritionist. You don't need a degree.
You're eating more than you think you are or you're fluctuating. The end.-1 -
I concur with this. After talking with a former peer who's an endocrionlogist, he told me that "hypermtabolism" is a thing with former ANs. And that they need to eat A LOT MORE to sustain a good weight for 6-8 months till their metabolic rate evens out.So, to recap, in your case adaptive thermogenesis is probably not a myth.
You have competent, in person, help with access to your history which includes ED.
You are at a BMI of ~20 right now and trying to "lose a few lbs".
You call yourself "fat and ugly" at a BMI of 20. And appear to be thinking that losing 5lbs will change that kind of thinking when you ought to know that it won't.
Via simple google searches regarding re-feed and recovery protocols, we discover that recovery from anorexia often includes goals of BMI 22 or higher. Some studies I believe point to the best chance of recovery being achieved by re-feeding to a BMI range of 22 to 25.
Part of the reason for that is that changes in brain chemistry and hormones take place when these higher BMIs are reached and these changes are unlikely to have taken place at lower weight levels. These changes are necessary to reverse the ED. Your system (body) needs to have resources to repair the damage that years of not enough resources have created.
During recovery from anorexia, there also appear to be situations where people need to eat significantly more than non affected people would in order to regain weight (hypermetabolism during recovery)
All this leads to the facts that you:
--need the individualised, in person, plan and support which you currently appear to have in place.
--that your concern with 5lbs at a BMI of 20 is more an issue of disquiet as opposed to one of comfort in terms of the state of your recovery.
--that your amount of exercise and food are also an issue of disquiet as opposed to one of comfort in terms of the state of your recovery.
This forum conversation is not a suitable vehicle to addressing your health concerns.
Your RD **IS** the most suitable person to be discussing all this with and probably the person whose advice you should be following.
Take care.
ETA: If your RD doesn't specialise in recovery from eating disorders asking for a reference to someone who does might be "A REALLY GOOD IDEA".
OP, you SHOULD NOT BE TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT. I feel you should be addressing issues with your RD or therapist. If I had the same thing happening with a client, I'd have to turn them over to a pro.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
8 -
Speak with a therapist.1
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CorinnePina wrote: »Looks like you have people with full access to your history and with significant testing resources available to them trying to help you deal with an adaptive thermogenesis situation.
I have two questions.
What do you expect the community with no access to you or your records to offer to you?
Why are you focused on losing WEIGHT at a BMI of 20?Looks like you have people with full access to your history and with significant testing resources available to them trying to help you deal with an adaptive thermogenesis situation.
I have two questions.
What do you expect the community with no access to you or your records to offer to you?
Why are you focused on losing WEIGHT at a BMI of 20?
I just want to lose 5 pounds. I was always 122-125. I just all of a sudden gained 6 pounds changing nothing. I mean how can "adaptive thermogenesis" be a myth? If my BMR is 1,685 calories and I eat only 1,400; my body goes into conversation mode.
It seems like you're worrying an awful lot for what amounts to normal weight fluctuation (5 to 6 lbs).
What does "all of a sudden" mean? If it was within a few days, or even a week or two, it's highly unlikely that it's six pounds of fat. Lots of things can cause increased water retention, including stress hormones.2 -
CorinnePina wrote: »
She is an RD: Lauren Antonucci. www.nutritionenergy.com
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
Bachelor of Science in Psychobiology from Binghamton University
Graduate Fellowship in Nutritional Biochemistry, University of California-Berkeley
Master's of Science in Nutrition and Food Studies, New York University
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D.N.)
Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (C.S.S.D.)
NY State Licensed Certified Dietitian Nutritionist (C.D.N)
Certified Diabetes Educator (C.D.E.)
American Dietetic Association active member
American Dietetic Association Sports Nutritionist (SCAN) practice-group active member
I don't care what titles she has. If she suggested such nonsense as "Starvation mode" and "metabolic reset", she is of no value to you.5 -
You are 5'7", 130 pounds. You do not have any weight to lose. If you gained, it has to be because you ate more than you thought you did, or it's serious water retention issue!1
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CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
I'd hazard a guess that body dysmorphia is a more pressing worry than adaptive thermogenesis.11 -
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CorinnePina wrote: »CorinnePina wrote: »
I'm using measuring cups. I gained the 6 pounds in the last month; haven't changed anything.jennybearlv wrote: »I've been dieting for six months straight and have not experienced adaptive thermogenesis, starvation mode, or conservation mode. As I understand it adaptive thermogenesis happens when a person eats a low calorie diet over a long period of time. Your print out is interesting, but it does not answer all our questions. How long have you been tracking your calories and body weight? When did you gain six pounds? Are you measuring your food portions with a scale, measuring cups, or estimating?
I've been under eating and over exercising for many years. I also had anorexia from from age 15-30. I just want to get it "right" this time. I don't lose any weight restricting calories any further; I tried that for the past 15 years too. I used to eat 1,200 calories a day and workout 3 hours a day and not lose any weight. My weight seems to have these sudden fluctuations.
Do you not like the way you look currently? If you think you look great, why care about the number on the scale?
No, I think I am fat and ugly
I'd hazard a guess that body dysmorphia is a more pressing worry than adaptive thermogenesis.
This
Also, maybe take a pregnancy test.2 -
I'm not pregnant for sure!0
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