Not losing weight at what should be a noticeable deficit. Does prior history of an ED/extensive restriction affect metabolism? Is low metabolism really a myth?

I know mentioning eating disorders is an automatic downvote here, but it's an unfortunate part of my history and I'd really love any help.

I'm 167cm (5'6), 56kg (123lb), 30 years old, female. I'm fairly sedentary (30 mins light exercise, 4-5x a week). My BMR should be about 1300, and my TDEE should be about 1550.

I've been eating at 1200 calories a day for the past 2.5 months. I want to get back to 53kg (117lbs).

My weight has not budged. I know my intake is 1200 or a bit less - I weigh my food, overestimate calories, and have lost weight no problem previously (highest weight is 73 [161lbs], lowest is 51 [112lbs]). Also, I had hella disordered eating for about 5 years, and one of the side effects of that is a pretty intense familiarity with calorie counting.

I used to restrict much more severely and for much longer periods of time (months to years at a time). I was losing my hair, etc. I'm in a much healthier place now and just want to fit in my jeans again.

I don't know why I'm not losing literally any weight. Sometimes the scales read higher than my starting weight (which I attribute to water weight). They have never once read lower.

I know starvation mode is a myth but I've been seeing a lot about 'down regulated' metabolisms and refeeding. I've also seen women with similar stats to me reporting that DEXA scans have revealed a BMR of just over 1000.

Is it possible my history of long term restriction actually has damaged my metabolism? Would eating at 1800 cals a day for the next three or so days kick start me again?

I'm really confused. Any help would be super appreciated

submitted by /u/helixchondriac
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source https://www.reddit.com/r/loseit/comments/hkvfrg/not_losing_weight_at_what_should_be_a_noticeable/