[tyger1225]

Hi, I'm new here...

I've been struggling with my weight for the past four years (i'm 18). I'm a dancer, and have been told to lose weight since I was 11. Back then I weighed 135, which is too much for a dancer. I lost fifteen lbs over the course of two years, (down to 120) and thought I had done enough.

I went away from home last summer and gained back five lbs, but lost it soon after I returned home. However, my dance instructor did not see anything but the weight gain, and threatened to take my parts away if I did not weigh 115 or fewer lbs. I began to starve myself to get the weight off, eating less than 800 calories a day. Now I've started eating again, and am back up to a humiliating 130 lbs, and cannot get the scale to budge. I eat about 1500 cals/day and exercise for 2-5 hours per day, depending on my dance schedule.

I am so ashamed of myself for messing up my body (i no longer menstruate) and for allowing myself to gain back the weight I've worked so hard to lose. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm going to college in a few weeks and am terrified of gaining any more weight. Please help!

[kaw]

I've never been an elite athlete of any kind, so take this with a grain of salt: have you tried changing up your exercise routine? So, instead of dancing for 5 hours, dance for 4 and do something else you enjoy for that other hour. Or go swimming on the weekends. Or do some weight training (don't worry, you won't bulk up overnight).

I know it seems odd to prescribe more exercise for someone who dances a good chunk of the day, but it could be that your body has become somewhat complacent with the same moves and types of moves.

Another idea is to try to drop calories -- not drastically, just by 100-150 per day, and see if that shakes things up. Or change around the macronutrient levels so you're eating more "good" fats and fewer carbs. Experiment, but safely!

Kim

[stiebena]

Hi Tyger,

I just wanted to give you a virtual hug...I'm sorry that you have to deal with so much pressure to be thin. It makes me sad that the worlds of dancing, modeling etc pressure girls to sometimes unhealthy lengths.

I am sure that you are beautiful, so don't let yourself be beat down. Be proud of yourself and your dancing accomplishments.

As for not gaining weight when you start college, I'm the first to admit that it can be difficult (I'm starting my fifth year now). But try to make healthy food choices, and stick to your exercise (obviously you're doing great in that department!) and you'll be okay.

[Janie Canuck]

You don't indicate your height, which I think is relevant. 130 pounds is hardly big, unless you're really short. The world of dance (ballet in particular) is notorious for imposing unrealistic expectations on women's bodies. Maybe, for your height, your body is as thin as it wants to get. Which isn't helpful advice, I realize, but it may be more realistic than your dance teacher's expectations.