Will everything even out?

Question

I was diagnosed with anorexia in April this year, and have been in recovery since, seeing a therapist and a nutritionist. I'm 5' 3'', and the most I've ever weighed before was 104-105 lbs. At my last weigh in, I was 100, so I'm almost to my goal. While gaining weight, my metabolism has increased so much that I have to eat over 3000 calories every day to gain anything at all. Because I'm eating so much, I feel like my stomach is always bloated, and I hate how thick my middle has become. Almost all the new fat is on my stomach and thighs, while my shoulders and arms stay like sticks. My question is, once I start normal eating again to maintain my weight, will my body fat spread out? I just want to look like I used to, not like a pear.

Answer 1

First off, congrats on recovery!  I am trying to recover too, and i know how difficult it can be.  You should be so proud of yourself!

To answer your question, yes, everything will eventually even itself out. I have heard that a lot of recovered anorexics will gain weight in the places you mentioned above, but after a month or two, the weight shifts and evens out over the entire body.  Also, a lot of it may be the bloating.  I know that i feel bloated a lot too, and i feel like my stomach is huge.  Grrr, i hate it.  Also, if you feel strong enough, you can start lifting some weights to gain some muscle in your arms and legs.  This might help you get more proportioned.   But give it some time.  I guarantee that things will even out.

Best of luck!  Hang in there!