Weight Watchers Anorexia
saraclark62
Posts: 41 Member
Is using Weight Watchers points bad to do as a recovering anorexic?
11
Replies
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saraclark62 wrote: »Is using Weight Watchers points bad to do as a recovering anorexic?
You really need to talk to your recovery team about that. Nobody here is qualified to advise you in your specific situation. Hugs!31 -
I would say yes. The points tend to keep the users on the low side of calorie-intake.
What does your treatment team say about this? Counting calories would be [marginally] better - at least you know how much and what nutrients you are getting.
But, depending on how far along in your recovery you are, is counting even recommended by your treatment team? It can trigger obsessive behaviors in people who are not fully recovered.9 -
saraclark62 wrote: »Is using Weight Watchers points bad to do as a recovering anorexic?
That's a question for your treatment team. How are they with you counting calories?4 -
Have you increased your calories yet to maintain? You never said if you had a treatment team or not, if you do are they supporting your calorie goal and tracking methods?
https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/41857849#Comment_418578494 -
The points are bad for a recovering anorexic. In general, calorie counting apps are bad for anorexics. (I heard that. I don't know why.) The Smart Points are not enough. Practically, you have to eat many of the free foods to get enough calories. If you're an anorexic, it would be too easy to simply eat most of your Smartpoints, convince yourself that your eating enough, and skip the healthy foods.
You can also try going to Weight Watchers and telling the people there. I believe the employees there tend to be responsible. (I start my first meeting on Wednesday, so I'm going on hearsay.)2 -
I think restriction full stop is bad for recovery from ed.
If you’re still trying to lose weight or maintain an unnatural body weight for your build you’re not truly in recovery
Counting kcal can be part of the initial stages to ensure you eat at recovery guideline levels which are in significant excess of ww as your body needs kcal to restore as well as to fuel
As everyone has said speak to your recovery team
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Depends on how you're using them. If, for recovery you are making sure to have at least the calories/points that would normally be a limit, then using an app/program to ensure you are not undereating can be beneficial. I would highly recommend you seek both a psychiatrist and psychologist to assist you as to the best route to ensure a healthier lifestyle.1
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You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.1
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seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.9 -
Unless it's part if your recovery, and you're under supervision, definitely yes it's a bad idea.0
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I’m also going to say that I really depends how far along in your recovery you are. People that have suffered from eating disorders are always considered “recovering” in the same way that former alcoholics are always considered “recovering”.
So for me, in my early 20s it was WAY too early for me to count calories because it triggered my eating disorder tendencies. But as I got older I got a better handle on things. So at 30 I can now be on MFP and rock calorie counting like a boss.
There are a lot of variables and I don’t think anyone here will be able to give you a full answer. If you have a recovery team then discuss it with them. If you don’t have a team (not everyone does), then you need to take a good long, HONEST look at where you are in your recovery and if you are far enough along that it won’t send you spiraling.
The other question is, are you counting calories to gain weight or lose weight. This can also have an effect.2 -
seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.
Binge eating and overeating are also eating disorders. To say that one side of eating disorders need therapy and calorie counting would be triggering, yet not the other end is not productive nor right. I am pursuing a PhD clinical psychology, both sides are equally dangerous and equally in need of therapy. Yet, for those that habitually over eat, the same negativity and judgements made when trying something to monitor thier eating habits isn't criticized. Part of my research deal with working at two psychiatic clinics, one is general and the other is for eating disorders. Both those who regularly under and over eat can benefit from closely monitoring thier food consumption, just with opposite goals, one for minimum calories the other for maximum. With the insane costs of healthcare, there are too many who cannot afford therapy, so other outlets, such as websites are sought out. If someone sees they have a problem, then using a site such as this can be highly beneficial. It's when the problem is denied or seen as a result of outside influence (I over/under eat because of other people, stress, work, bored, tired, etc). Except for children and people under hospital care where food intake is forced and monitored, over and under eating are purely the individuals choice.
Now if someone does not recognize they have a problem, and exhibit many signs of a disorder, then theapy is highly recommended. You cannot fix a problem that you don't know exists.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.
Binge eating and overeating are also eating disorders. To say that one side of eating disorders need therapy and calorie counting would be triggering, yet not the other end is not productive nor right. I am pursuing a PhD clinical psychology, both sides are equally dangerous and equally in need of therapy. Yet, for those that habitually over eat, the same negativity and judgements made when trying something to monitor thier eating habits isn't criticized. Part of my research deal with working at two psychiatic clinics, one is general and the other is for eating disorders. Both those who regularly under and over eat can benefit from closely monitoring thier food consumption, just with opposite goals, one for minimum calories the other for maximum. With the insane costs of healthcare, there are too many who cannot afford therapy, so other outlets, such as websites are sought out. If someone sees they have a problem, then using a site such as this can be highly beneficial. It's when the problem is denied or seen as a result of outside influence (I over/under eat because of other people, stress, work, bored, tired, etc). Except for children and people under hospital care where food intake is forced and monitored, over and under eating are purely the individuals choice.
Now if someone does not recognize they have a problem, and exhibit many signs of a disorder, then theapy is highly recommended. You cannot fix a problem that you don't know exists.
Where were these things said?1 -
I would definitely say yes. It's a tracking mind set and that seems to go hand in hand with falling back into the same routine. I would ask a doctor or therapist if they think this is the best option for you.0
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If you haven’t already I second seeing a primary care doctor to coordinate your care. They can determine whether to refer you to a dietitian who may or may not want you to track calories depending on your stage of recovery and whether you need additional nutrients to fix any imbalance. Also they may refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist and give you references to in person free group therapy.
I highly recommend checking out the resources on campus.1 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.
Binge eating and overeating are also eating disorders. To say that one side of eating disorders need therapy and calorie counting would be triggering, yet not the other end is not productive nor right. I am pursuing a PhD clinical psychology, both sides are equally dangerous and equally in need of therapy. Yet, for those that habitually over eat, the same negativity and judgements made when trying something to monitor thier eating habits isn't criticized. Part of my research deal with working at two psychiatic clinics, one is general and the other is for eating disorders. Both those who regularly under and over eat can benefit from closely monitoring thier food consumption, just with opposite goals, one for minimum calories the other for maximum. With the insane costs of healthcare, there are too many who cannot afford therapy, so other outlets, such as websites are sought out. If someone sees they have a problem, then using a site such as this can be highly beneficial. It's when the problem is denied or seen as a result of outside influence (I over/under eat because of other people, stress, work, bored, tired, etc). Except for children and people under hospital care where food intake is forced and monitored, over and under eating are purely the individuals choice.
Now if someone does not recognize they have a problem, and exhibit many signs of a disorder, then theapy is highly recommended. You cannot fix a problem that you don't know exists.
Where were these things said?
The fact that it is not mentioned when someone falls under the severely overweight and/or obese catagory (habitually over eats)- therapy isn't the first (often it is never) recommended, yet is for someone who is at the opposite end of the eating disorder spectrum.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.
Binge eating and overeating are also eating disorders. To say that one side of eating disorders need therapy and calorie counting would be triggering, yet not the other end is not productive nor right. I am pursuing a PhD clinical psychology, both sides are equally dangerous and equally in need of therapy. Yet, for those that habitually over eat, the same negativity and judgements made when trying something to monitor thier eating habits isn't criticized. Part of my research deal with working at two psychiatic clinics, one is general and the other is for eating disorders. Both those who regularly under and over eat can benefit from closely monitoring thier food consumption, just with opposite goals, one for minimum calories the other for maximum. With the insane costs of healthcare, there are too many who cannot afford therapy, so other outlets, such as websites are sought out. If someone sees they have a problem, then using a site such as this can be highly beneficial. It's when the problem is denied or seen as a result of outside influence (I over/under eat because of other people, stress, work, bored, tired, etc). Except for children and people under hospital care where food intake is forced and monitored, over and under eating are purely the individuals choice.
Now if someone does not recognize they have a problem, and exhibit many signs of a disorder, then theapy is highly recommended. You cannot fix a problem that you don't know exists.
Where were these things said?
The fact that it is not mentioned when someone falls under the severely overweight and/or obese catagory (habitually over eats)- therapy isn't the first (often it is never) recommended, yet is for someone who is at the opposite end of the eating disorder spectrum.
So, you want us to post in every single thread on weight loss that people need counseling? I'm trying to see your point here. I have no doubt that many of us here could benefit from counseling. When someone mentions binge eating or feeling out of control with their eating, counseling is often suggested as a strategy.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »seekingdaintiness wrote: »You shouldn't be dieting at all if you're a recovering anorexic. Go to therapy.
Diet doesn't mean eating to lose weight, just your food intake. While most people on here use this app to help lose or maintain their weight, there are people on here that follow a "diet" in order to gain weight. So yes, recovering anorexics should absolutely be "dieting", it's just that thier diet goal is to GAIN weight.
I'm friends with a gentleman on here that is severely underweight due to massive medical issues and multiple surgeries that have left him with severe problems in swallowing and digesting food. He tracks his calories as a MINIMUM in order to gain weight. Please realize and respect that not everyone has weight loss goals, and apps like this are helpful to those who also want to gain weight.
I'm sure many people realize that the app can be used for many different reasons. Calorie counting can be triggering for those with eating disorders. That's why people are suggesting follow up with her treatment team. This is not at all the same as your friend who doesn't have a history of an eating disorder (assuming you didn't leave that detail out). If you read the link posted above, you can see that this particular OP wasn't looking to lose weight (at least not at that time), but was still showing signs of her eating disorder, which can be made worse by calorie counting, even if it starts with the intention of maintaining weight.
OP, if you find calorie counting triggering, it is quite possible that you will find weight watchers points system to also be triggering.
Please see your treatment team for guidance and support.
Binge eating and overeating are also eating disorders. To say that one side of eating disorders need therapy and calorie counting would be triggering, yet not the other end is not productive nor right. I am pursuing a PhD clinical psychology, both sides are equally dangerous and equally in need of therapy. Yet, for those that habitually over eat, the same negativity and judgements made when trying something to monitor thier eating habits isn't criticized. Part of my research deal with working at two psychiatic clinics, one is general and the other is for eating disorders. Both those who regularly under and over eat can benefit from closely monitoring thier food consumption, just with opposite goals, one for minimum calories the other for maximum. With the insane costs of healthcare, there are too many who cannot afford therapy, so other outlets, such as websites are sought out. If someone sees they have a problem, then using a site such as this can be highly beneficial. It's when the problem is denied or seen as a result of outside influence (I over/under eat because of other people, stress, work, bored, tired, etc). Except for children and people under hospital care where food intake is forced and monitored, over and under eating are purely the individuals choice.
Now if someone does not recognize they have a problem, and exhibit many signs of a disorder, then theapy is highly recommended. You cannot fix a problem that you don't know exists.
Where were these things said?
The fact that it is not mentioned when someone falls under the severely overweight and/or obese catagory (habitually over eats)- therapy isn't the first (often it is never) recommended, yet is for someone who is at the opposite end of the eating disorder spectrum.
That's because while overeating CAN be a sign of an ED it isn't necessarily so.
For that matter Binge eating patterns aren't inherently an indicator of an ED absent the triggering and cuing components.1
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