Hi everyone, it’s Elisa here! 🙂 Finally, I’m posting a new blog, and I’m so happy to share this with you. It’s been a while, so I hope you’re excited to dive in.
Today’s post is all about weight gain in eating disorder (ED) recovery – one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of recovery. I’ll answer your most common questions, address fears, and provide some insights to help you on your journey to full recovery.
If you’re just getting started with recovery, don’t forget to download my free recovery guide! It outlines everything you need to focus on and will give you the tools to take those first steps. You can also check out my book for a deeper dive into recovery and how to go through it.
1. Why Does Weight Gain Happen in ED Recovery, and Is It Really Necessary?
If you’ve been struggling with a restrictive eating disorder, weight gain is a normal and necessary part of recovery. When you gain weight, your body is not just storing fat but also:
- Repairing lost muscle
- Restoring organ function
- Balancing hormones
- Speeding up metabolism
- …and more!
There are so many positive reasons for weight gain. It’s about healing from the inside out. Eating enough and allowing your body to gain weight is the only way to reach your natural set point weight – the weight your body is genetically meant to be.
Eating disorders affect you a lot physically; you can’t just think your way out of them. Your body needs fuel to heal its physical and mental functions. Without enough weight and energy, your brain can’t recover, and your mental health won’t improve. Your body and brain need to work together to fully heal.
2. What Is Overshooting, and Will My Weight Eventually Go Down?
Overshooting means your body temporarily gains weight above your set point during recovery. This is completely normal and beneficial because:
- Your body is replenishing energy reserves and repairing damage from starvation.
- It’s a safety net to ensure your body has enough stored energy to fully recover.
For many, overshot weight may settle down after consistent recovery (eating enough and resting). However, the concept of overshooting can be a bit flawed, as not everyone loses weight after recovery. That’s okay – it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means your body is finding its healthiest weight.
Remember: body diversity is normal, and people come in all shapes and sizes. Your weight depends on many factors, and the focus should always be on metabolic and hormonal health and reaching full recovery from ED, not the number on the scale.
3. How Can I Overcome the Fear of Gaining Weight?
There are two types of fear of weight gain, and understanding them can help you work through them:
a) Biological Fear (Linked to Anorexia)
If you’re genetically predisposed to anorexia, losing weight can trigger a fear of weight gain. This is explained by the Migration Theory, which suggests that when the “anorexia gene” is activated by restriction and weight loss, fear of weight gain is a natural symptom.
The solution? Rewire the fear through consistent action:
- Eat enough and rest.
- Challenge fear foods and food rules.
- Expose yourself to the fear of weight gain by allowing your body to gain weight.
Over time, as you recover, gain weight, repeatedly challenge the fears, your brain will learn that food is safe and you are out of starvation – then the fear will diminish.
b) Cultural Fear (Diet Culture and Body Image)
This fear stems from societal messages like “I’m not good enough unless I’m thin” or “People won’t accept me if I gain weight.” Overcoming this fear requires:
- Challenging these beliefs and recognizing their roots in diet culture.
- Reframing your worth to focus on who you are, not what you look like.
- Working on body image and self-acceptance.
I often address both types of fear with my clients in private coaching. If this resonates with you, apply for my coaching HERE.
4. How Do I Deal with Feeling Uncomfortable in My Own Skin After Gaining Weight?
Feeling uncomfortable after weight gain is common, but here’s the truth: Physical recovery often happens faster than mental recovery. While your body changes, your mind may struggle to adapt, which can lead to discomfort and even relapse.
To overcome this:
- Persist with recovery and give your mind time to catch up (continue working on mental recovery).
- Recognize that a lot of the discomfort comes from thoughts and beliefs shaped by a society that prioritizes thinness.
If we lived in a culture that celebrated larger bodies, we’d likely feel differently about weight gain. Your thoughts shape how you feel, and working on those thoughts can help you feel more comfortable in your body.
5. What If I Hate How I Look After Gaining Weight?
If your self-worth has been tied to how you look, gaining weight can feel like you’ve lost something valuable. This is why recovery isn’t just about your body; it’s about shifting your focus away from your appearance.
People often have their best body image when they’re not thinking about their bodies at all. Fun activities, meaningful relationships, and passions can help shift your focus.
Ask yourself: What could my life look like if I stopped focusing so much on how I look? Recovery is about finding value and meaning beyond your appearance.
Final Thoughts
Weight gain in ED recovery is challenging, but it’s also one of the most important steps toward true healing. Remember, recovery takes time, and it’s okay to feel uncomfortable along the way. The key is to keep going and trust that you’re moving toward a healthier, happier life. But along with weight gain also make sure to focus on mental recover as everything starts with your mindset!
If you need support, check out my free recovery guide, my book, or my private coaching options. You don’t have to do this alone – I’m here to help every step of the way.
You’ve got this. Don’t give up – recovery is worth it.
– Elisa ❤️
