Are We Setting Recovery Weights Too Low? Insight From an FBT Therapist

A rusty doctor's scale, for an FBT therapist's article on recovery weights that are set too low.

TL;DR At the 2018 International Conference on Eating Disorders, experts discussed the low BMI threshold (18.5) often used to define recovery from anorexia nervosa, suggesting it’s inadequate for many individuals, especially those with higher weights or atypical anorexia. Many parents and practitioners advocate for a more individualized approach to recovery weights, emphasizing that a higher …

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How We Set Recovery Weights and Why It Matters for Long-Term Healing

Drawing of a doctor weighing a teen patient, illustrating weight monitoring and recovery weights in Family-Based Treatment (FBT).

TL;DR Weight gain is a vital part of recovery from eating disorders for individuals of all sizes, including those with Atypical Anorexia and bulimia. However, there’s a lack of consensus on how to set appropriate recovery weights. Research shows that complete weight restoration is often essential for psychological recovery, as it helps alleviate eating disorder …

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