If you have recently relapsed into disordered eating behaviors and your weight isn't dropping, there could be several reasons for this:
Metabolic Changes: After experiencing an eating disorder and then recovering, your body might have gone through metabolic adaptations. When you relapse, your body may respond differently than it did before, leading to a different weight response.
Starvation Mode: If you were restricting your food intake significantly, your body might have entered a state often referred to as "starvation mode." In this state, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy, making it difficult to lose weight even with reduced calorie intake.
Water Retention: When you restrict food intake, your body might retain water as a protective mechanism. This water retention can mask any potential weight loss.
Muscle Loss: Severe calorie restriction or disordered eating can lead to muscle loss. Since muscle weighs more than fat, losing muscle mass can offset any potential weight loss, making it less noticeable.
Binge-Purge Cycle: If you're experiencing binge-purge behaviors, the body can retain calories from binges, making it harder to see weight loss even during periods of restriction.
Other Health Factors: Various underlying health conditions or changes in hormones can affect weight loss, and disordered eating can impact the body's hormone balance.
It's important to remember that weight loss shouldn't be the primary focus when dealing with an eating disorder. The focus should be on seeking professional help and support to address the underlying issues and establish a healthy relationship with food and your body.
If you find yourself relapsing into disordered eating behaviors, it's crucial to reach out to a healthcare professional, therapist, or counselor experienced in treating eating disorders. They can assess your current situation, offer guidance, and create a personalized plan to support your recovery and overall well-being. Remember that seeking help is a brave and necessary step toward healing.