Desperate. Please help

christiewilson10
christiewilson10 Posts: 1 Member
edited November 20 in Getting Started
I am 25 years old currently weighing in at 85-90lbs at the height of 5 2. My body fat percentage is only 3% and I'm malnourished. I have struggled with an eating disorder for 4 years now and have done just about everything to overcome this struggle. Recently I made the commitment to learn how to eat and work out healthy to gain back my health and rebuild my body. My biggest struggle as of right now is learning how to deal with the consumption of basically anything at all. I don't know where to start and I am terrified that even something as much as 100calories will make me gain a pound. Anybody have any advice on how to help with these fears?

Replies

  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,224 Member
    Do you have a treatment team or access to professional help? I really think that's where you need to be looking. You're in a dangerous place and I fear that well intentioned advice from internet strangers could have the opposite of the intended effect...
  • AliceDark
    AliceDark Posts: 3,886 Member
    edited July 2017
    Your stats right now are really scary; you're underweight, malnourished and 3% is far beneath essential body fat for women. Please contact your treatment team. This isn't something you should be tackling alone, without medical guidance.

    If you need help finding a treatment team, here are some places to start:
    http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/neda
    https://myfitnesspal.desk.com/customer/portal/articles/1575987-eating-disorder-resources
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline

    National Eating Disorder Helpline 1-800-931-2237
  • LizbethHeller
    LizbethHeller Posts: 39 Member
    Congratulations on making the decision to get in shape, no matter which direction you are starting from! Most people here seem to be trying to go the other way... but I see no reason you couldn't use the same strategies. My daughter is seeing a trainer who gives them meal plans detailing exactly what to eat every day. She finds it liberating because she doesn't have to think about it. If you could put your weight in someone else's hands and just follow "the plan" maybe that would help. Else, just put in your goal (maybe you WANT to gain a few pounds?) and track your calories using the tracker. Obviously, I'm no pro - maybe counseling would help... ? Anyway, I just wanted to welcome you and say Hi. :-)
  • MichelleSilverleaf
    MichelleSilverleaf Posts: 2,027 Member
    christiewilson10 wrote: »
    I am 25 years old currently weighing in at 85-90lbs at the height of 5 2. My body fat percentage is only 3% and I'm malnourished. I have struggled with an eating disorder for 4 years now and have done just about everything to overcome this struggle. Recently I made the commitment to learn how to eat and work out healthy to gain back my health and rebuild my body. My biggest struggle as of right now is learning how to deal with the consumption of basically anything at all. I don't know where to start and I am terrified that even something as much as 100calories will make me gain a pound. Anybody have any advice on how to help with these fears?

    Changing your thinking will take time; be patient with yourself as you change.

    One day will not wreck your diet, and the only thing that will make you gain weight is a calorie surplus.

    Good for you for recognizing your struggle. Perhaps it would help to find out what is a good average weight for your height and aim for that number to start. Focus on balanced meals and just do your best to be moderate without getting obsessive about the calories. When you get to the proper weight range for your height then focus on maintaining that but also understanding that small fluctuations are usually pretty normal. Do your best to set good habits now so that maintaining a better weight will hopefully be easier once you get there. And don't hesitate to seek out professional help, even perhaps a recommendation to a dietician, if you're really struggling.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    edited July 2017
    Do you have a treatment team? If not, you need to get one, now! You're underweight, so you have to gain weight, and you need to gain many pounds, and you want to gain weight, so yes - eat, eat, eat.
  • DharmainHeels
    DharmainHeels Posts: 94 Member
    LizbethHeller wrote: »
    Congratulations on making the decision to get in shape, no matter which direction you are starting from! Most people here seem to be trying to go the other way... but I see no reason you couldn't use the same strategies. My daughter is seeing a trainer who gives them meal plans detailing exactly what to eat every day. She finds it liberating because she doesn't have to think about it. If you could put your weight in someone else's hands and just follow "the plan" maybe that would help. Else, just put in your goal (maybe you WANT to gain a few pounds?) and track your calories using the tracker. Obviously, I'm no pro - maybe counseling would help... ? Anyway, I just wanted to welcome you and say Hi. :-)


    She needs a mental health team as well as a medical team.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    You need to get yourself to the nearest hospital, now.
  • bruby28
    bruby28 Posts: 4,123 Member
    You need professional help , not strangers on mfp if you're serious about getting healthy
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