Calorie needs

I've had anorexia for about a year and a half. I lost a lot of weight by eating very little and walking a lot. I'm currently trying to recover, I've been eating more and trying to walk less. I've gained 2 kilos since the end of May. I weigh 38 kilos now and am still underweight (I'm 159cm so my bmi is 15). I want to have a healthy weight.

How many calories do I need to eat if I walk an hour a day and want to weigh 46 kilos?

[Patricia Pitts, PhD]

Dear sara6969,

I doubt that you are going to like what I have to say.  At a BMI of 15, you need to cease all exercise.  
In addition, you need to be under professional care to support you to properly refeed your body to a healthy weight and address any psychological issues that come up as your weight increases.  

At The Bella Vita eating disorders treatment programs, we recommend reintroducing exercise upon reaching 90% of your weight range.   At this point, individuals are monitored to support ongoing weight gain as they begin exercising.

For more information on anorexia, visit our website.

Dr. Pitts

Patricia Pitts, PhD
The Bella Vita
Los Angeles, California