Weight Gain Before Discharge Improves Prognosis

Reprinted from Eating Disorders Review
March/April 1999 Volume 10, Number 2
©1999 Gürze Books

Patients with anorexia nervosa who reach target weight goals before they are discharged from the hospital have a much better prognosis than those released earlier, according to Dr. Stephen Touyz. In a long-term follow-up study of 63 emaciated patients hospitalized for treatment of anorexia nervosa, weight, reproductive function, and total body nitrogen levels were restored in those who remained in the hospital until they reached their target weights. Target weights were defined as a minimum healthy weight for height and age. The average body mass index (BMI) at the start of the study was 15. Nearly a third of the patients had been discharged prematurely, and those who failed to reach a BMI of 19 had a poorer outcome. Regardless of weight gain, bone density often was suboptimal and psychological symptoms persisted. The study was reported at the Eating Disorders Research Society Meeting in Albuquerque.

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