My dad was an alcoholic/drug addict and I guess everything that happened sort of messed me up. Then, when he died when I was 14 (I'm now 17) I got an eating disorder. I'm trying to get better but I just want to know if I have totally messed up my metabolism because I've always had a fast metabolism and I wonder if I still will when I start eating normally.
2006-09-21 05:52:58 · 10 answers · asked by Led*Zep*Babe 5 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Ok, I'll tell you a little more about me. I've always been pretty thin, and my whole family is thin also (even into their later ages) because fast metabolism seems to run in my family and obesity has never been a problem. What I have is anorexia, and it wasn't really a "I'm fat" thing but more of a control thing, which is something I didn't have. Its caused many health problems for me and I've been very sick with infections....my doctor knows about my problems and thats why she weighs me everytime I come to see her and she treated me for depression but it didn't seem to help... :(
2006-09-21 06:09:20 · update #1
A lady I used to work for went on a hunger strike when she was younger and starved herself during her formative years. She had a really hard time gaining weight afterwards. Work with a dietician, that's what she did and it really helped. Good luck!
2006-09-21 05:57:27 · answer #1 · answered by lynnca1972 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am sorry for all you've gone through and I'm glad you're seeking help.
Your metabolism will naturally slow as you get older. You probably did do some damage to it. I don't know of a way to "measure" it but I know I had an episode of depression when I was 18 and I hardly ate for 5 months. I lost a LOT of weight (I started out pretty fat) but I've problems losing weight ever since.
This is something you should discuss with your doctor and/or nutritionist (if you have one).
Good luck.
2006-09-22 11:45:50 · answer #2 · answered by Rosie Young 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say as long as you continue to eat healthy and are an active person your metabolism will be fine,but, more importantly is depending on your type of disorder and how long you have had it is the fact that you could have caused serious damage to your esophagus,your stomach lining, there are a number of things that on the onset may seem fine but untill you see a doctor you will never know.You are the one person who knows how severe your condition was and can really turn it around so I really hope you go see a doctor and good luck.
2006-09-21 13:04:42 · answer #3 · answered by andrea k 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You metabolism changes as you age, regardless. I don't know what specific eating disorder you are talking about, but in the case of anorexia--and I'm sure bulimia too--your body can go into what's called "Temporary Starvation Mode." Since it's not getting the nutrition it needs, it begins to react just as it would have millions of years ago in times of famine; it works harder to store fatty deposits for energy, body hair grows thicker to keep you warm, and often your skin can turn a yellow-grey color. The sooner you get back to eating normally, the sooner your body can begin to repair itself and go back to its regular, healthy state.
If you haven't already sought professional help for your disorder, I would get some IMMEDIATELY. There's no shame in it, and no one will think less of you or "blame" you. Recovering from an eating disorder is NOT something you can do on your own--you need someone who's qualified to help you sort out the psychological issues that caused the problem in the first place. And give lots of hugs.
Good luck! :)
2006-09-21 13:04:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anne-Arky 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your metabolism will be in shock for a while. It goes into starvation mode, so it robs the body of the nutrients it needs. Did you know that if there isn't enought protein in the body for long periods of time the body can reabsorb it from in bones!! The body has it's own defense mechanism built in, and you are hurting your self. Think of what your dad did to hurt you, and you are letting it continue by this action. It will come back later in life, when you might be happily in love, and then BAM huge medical problems! Please start eating fiber, protein and fruits. Take care of you, life gets better trust me!
2006-09-21 13:07:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need the kind of care you can only get by being admitted. Tell your doctor that you are serious about getting better and let your doctor and your mom put you in a closed program. I hope things get better for you very soon. This is not an easy thing to live with.
2006-09-21 13:12:11 · answer #6 · answered by murph_ltt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, I am sorry for your what happened. Coming from someone who has had an eating disorder please listen. Get help.
It will be a life long battle but you need to fight. Life is worth fighting for. Even if you just get help in an online community, it's a start!
Good Luck!
2006-09-21 12:59:34 · answer #7 · answered by sdc3dfwm 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you are eating normally you will be healthy. Metabolism won't matter becuase you'll be taking in the right amount of food every day.
I'm sorry about your father. Both my parents have been dead for a long time.
2006-09-21 12:56:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
talk to your doctor. he/she will probably be able to assist you with your metabolic problem and perhaps get you on medication to correct it.
2006-09-21 12:56:27 · answer #9 · answered by Lizzi D 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are getting professional medical help, which you should, they can better help you than the people on yahoo answers.
2006-09-21 12:57:23 · answer #10 · answered by eehco 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋