Getting the Weight and Keeping It On

• 1). Keep a close network of family and friends and a nutritionist, doctor and psychologist nearby. Though it is not always possible (or necessary) to have that entire network simultaneously, a strong network will nonetheless prove vital to getting the weight and keeping it on.
  
  
• 2). Start slowly, eating softer, fattier foods that are high in calories, but also easy to digest, high in nutrients and provide a lot of energy. Oatmeal is an example of an energy-rich complex carbohydrate food that can be helpful. There are also many nutrient-rich, fatty shakes that can be helpful. If possible, consult with a nutritionist to develop an eating plan.
  
  
• 3). Eat more and more over time, adjusting one's caloric intake with the recognition that one's metabolism will speed up over time, making it more and more difficult to gain weight; however, a faster metabolism over time is normal and should be considered encouraging as it is a sign that one's eating habits are returning to normal.
  
  
• 4). Learn as much as you can about the disorder to get a grasp on it. In particular, consult with useful sources for information and cutting-edge research such as the National Eating Disorders Association. (See Reference 1.)