Which Goal Is Appropriate When Treating Anorexia Nervosa? Discover the Best Approach

For those suffering from Anorexia Nervosa, achieving a healthy weight is not always the best approach to treatment. Many factors play into developing this complex eating disorder and it’s important to address these underlying issues in order for an individual to fully recover.

So what goals should be set when treating Anorexia Nervosa? The answer isn’t black and white. Each person will require a personalized plan that focuses on their specific symptoms, family dynamics, and emotional state. However, there are general approaches that have been shown to be effective in multiple cases.

“The goal of treatment for Anorexia shouldn’t just be about gaining weight. True recovery comes from addressing the root causes and changing an individual’s mindset and behaviors surrounding food and body image.” -Anonymous

This blog post will explore the various goals and approaches that have proven successful in treating individuals with Anorexia Nervosa. By understanding the complexities of the disorder, we can work towards finding an appropriate and sustainable solution for each individual case.

Restoring Normal Body Weight

Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s characterized by an unrealistic perception of body shape and weight, leading to restrictive eating patterns and excessive weight loss. The first step in treating anorexia nervosa is restoring normal body weight.

Restoring normal body weight should be done gradually and under the guidance of a medical professional. A rapid increase in weight can lead to refeeding syndrome, which can cause severe complications such as heart failure, seizures, and even death. Therefore, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider who specializes in eating disorders.

Developing a Healthy Meal Plan

A healthy meal plan is essential when restoring normal body weight after suffering from anorexia nervosa. A well-balanced diet can help replenish energy and nutrient deficiencies caused by restrictive eating habits.

The meal plan should consist of balanced nutritional intakes, including carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates supply instant energy sources for the body; proteins build and repair muscles and tissues while fats provide insulation and protection for vital organs. Additionally, micronutrients like vitamins and minerals can improve metabolic functions, facilitating recovery from the disorder.

A nutritionist or dietician specializing in eating disorders can develop a personalized healthy meal plan tailored to individual needs and preferences. For example, incorporating favorite foods into the meal plan can make it easier for individuals to adapt to their new dietary regimen and ensure adherence long-term.

Incorporating Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is another component of treating anorexia nervosa. However, it’s crucial to note that too much physical activity during the treatment phase can negatively impact the restoration process. Overexertion can slow down weight gain, increase muscle wasting, and prolong recovery time.

Incorporating regular exercise should be done gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The type and intensity of exercise depend on an individual’s current fitness level, weight status, medical history, and overall physical health.

Aside from aiding in weight gain and improving cardiovascular and muscular functions for better metabolic activities, exercising can also help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms which are common co-occurring disorders associated with anorexia nervosa.

Consulting with a Medical Professional

Treating anorexia nervosa requires specialized care and attention to detail to ensure positive outcomes. Consulting with a medical professional is crucial when developing a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of the disorder, including restoring normal body weight, changing disordered eating habits, managing co-existing psychological conditions, and facilitating long-term recovery.

A medical professional specializing in eating disorders may include physicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nutritionists, dieticians, social workers, and other healthcare providers who work together as a team to support recovery.

“Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening illness with significant morbidity and mortality rates if left untreated. Recovery is possible in most cases but requires intensive and multi-disciplinary approaches.” – National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)

Navigating through treatment can be daunting, particularly for those who have been struggling with anorexia nervosa for an extended period. However, seeking help and following a structured treatment plan has shown to be highly effective in treating the disorder and ensuring individuals attain full recovery.

Addressing Psychological Issues

Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder that primarily affects the individual’s perception of their body image and their eating behaviors. Therefore, treating anorexia requires addressing not only the physical but also psychological aspects that contribute to the condition. There are different goals when approaching the treatment of anorexia nervosa, but identifying the most appropriate one depends on several factors unique to each patient.

Identifying Triggers and Coping Mechanisms

One goal in the treatment of anorexia nervosa is to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms that help overcome the negative emotions underlying the disorder.

According to clinical psychologist Rachel Goldman, PsyD, FTOS, foods can trigger emotional responses as some people learn over time to soothe themselves with food or deprive themselves of certain foods (Goldman, 2021). These reactions can lead to disordered eating patterns, such as restrictive diets, binging, and purging, which reinforce the anorexic thought process. Hence, in this approach, therapy seeks to address these negative emotions and core beliefs around food and weight and replace them with more positive ones by teaching healthier ways to cope with stressors.

The main objective is to help the individual recognize and experience the trigger for what it is, namely, avoidant behavior or anxiety from a situation or stimuli—promoting self-awareness instead of repression other than replacing unhealthy habits and thoughts with healthy substitutions like communication, relaxation techniques such as journaling or deep breathing. This method aims to deliver better outcomes, including longer-term recoveries, less relapse or adherence issues than focusing strictly on changing specific dietary behaviors and exercising addiction.

Seeking Therapy or Counseling

Therapy is central to any treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. It provides an opportunity to gain awareness of the emotions and thoughts underlying the eating disorder, identify negative patterns of thinking that promote distorted body image or self-image. Moreover, it helps develop healthy ways to manage emotions such as anxiety or depression without turning to disordered eating habits like food restrictions.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched treatments for individuals with anorexia nervosa. CBT aims at addressing specific cognitive distortions and behaviors associated with anorexia through various techniques such as challenging irrational beliefs, exposure to feared food or weight gains, stimulus control interventions, and behavioral contracting (Arditte Haller et al., 2021).

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a treatment derived from CBT that emphasizes mindfulness practices and acceptance and commitment to help patients overcome emotion dysregulation and impulsive actions, seems useful in non-underweight eating disorders but questionably appropriate for some people experiencing AN who may already have difficulty differentiating appetite signals from emotional stimuli, leading instead to increased confusion, distress and disorder behaviors (Linardon et al., 2018).

Joining a Support Group

Support groups offer peer and social support to Anorexia Nervosa individuals, which can be beneficial when working through difficult times, anxiety, or a general lack of motivation towards recovery (Vanzhula et al., 2022). Members of any age group with similar experiences can share personal struggles and insights about their journeys through recovery to reduce feelings of isolation and increase self-esteem while also learning new skills from others’ success stories.

Social Physique Anxiety (SPA amply related to Eating Disorder development and maintenance) reduced substantially after adapting Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods within a supporting community environment, highlighting how multiple sex/age processing networks can benefit from this approach (Andrews et al., 2020).

Medication Management

The use of medication for anorexia nervosa is not recommended unless a comorbid diagnosis like depression or anxiety accompanies the AN and significantly impairs function. Antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin could provide some symptom relief in these cases by normalizing mood disorders that may be perpetuating disordered eating, but only when used short-term to mitigate temporary side effects related recovery (National Institute of Mental Health, 2018).

To make treatment effective in patients with anorexia nervosa, clinicians should involve a comprehensive approach involving their patient’s unique situations yet still follow commonly agreed-upon goals based on cognitive-behavioral therapy principles while integrating the multidisciplinary team work aspect at every phase of their rehabilitation,” says Stacey Cahn MD, FAPA, medical director of Walden Behavioral Care’s Braintree clinic and medical consultant for National Eating Disorders Association” (Kozyrskyj, 2021).

“The ultimate goal of clinical management is remission of symptoms and improved quality of life.” – National Institute of Mental Health (2018)

Improving Nutritional Habits

Learning about Nutrition and Food Groups

For individuals with anorexia nervosa, it is important to have a goal of improving nutritional habits. Before this change can happen, patients must first learn about nutrition and food groups. This will help them understand what their body needs and how they can meet those needs in a healthy way.

A registered dietitian can be extremely helpful in educating patients about the importance of proper nutrition. They can teach patients how to read food labels and choose foods that are high in nutrients like protein and fiber. Patients can also benefit from learning about different food groups, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

Meal Preparation and Planning Skills

In addition to learning about nutrition and food groups, an appropriate goal for treating anorexia nervosa is to develop meal preparation and planning skills. Patients should work with their treatment team to create a meal plan that meets their individual needs and goals.

It can be helpful to set aside time each week to plan out meals and snacks. This can take some of the stress out of meal times and make it easier for patients to stick to their plan. Cooking classes can also be helpful in teaching patients how to prepare healthy meals while incorporating variety into their diet.

Creating a Balanced and Varied Diet

Along with learning about nutrition and meal preparation, an appropriate goal for treating anorexia nervosa is to create a balanced and varied diet. Patients should aim to include foods from all food groups in their diet to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.

It can be helpful to introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts. This will allow patients to become accustomed to new tastes and textures without overwhelming them. Trying new foods also adds variety and interest to meals.

“When dealing with eating disorders, it’s important to focus not on weight gain or loss, but rather on achieving a balanced and healthy relationship with food.” -Neda.org

Improving nutritional habits for individuals with anorexia nervosa requires education about nutrition and food groups, development of meal planning and preparation skills, and creating a balanced and varied diet. These goals may take time and effort to achieve, but with the support of a treatment team and loved ones, patients can develop a healthy and positive relationship with food.

Reducing Obsessive Behaviors

Anorexia nervosa is a complex mental disorder, characterized by obsessive thoughts about food and body weight. Because of this, one of the primary goals when treating anorexia nervosa is to reduce these obsessive behaviors.

Identifying and Challenging Negative Thoughts and Behaviors

A key aspect of reducing obsessive behaviors in anorexia nervosa treatment is identifying and addressing negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to them. This can include cognitive distortions, such as black-and-white thinking or catastrophizing, which often underlie harmful eating behaviors and feed into the cycle of obsession and compulsion.

To address these automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used. CBT aims to teach clients how to challenge negative thoughts using logic and evidence-based reasoning. By learning to identify and modify ANT patterns, individuals with anorexia nervosa can begin to break free from obsessive thinking and move towards healthier thought patterns.

“Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” -Will Rogers

Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Another important goal of anorexia nervosa treatment is developing healthy coping mechanisms. For people struggling with anorexia nervosa, unhealthy coping mechanisms often revolve around restrictive eating habits or compulsive exercise routines.

To develop new, healthy coping skills, it’s essential to identify what triggers maladaptive behavioral responses. This process can involve working with a therapist to explore what situations lead to anxiety or stress, and then developing strategies for dealing with those situations without resorting to disordered eating or over-exercise.

Alternative coping mechanisms might include mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, artistic expression, or social support groups. By developing new skills and resources to cope with distressing situations, individuals with anorexia nervosa can learn to manage difficult emotions without relying on destructive behaviors.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Building Self-Esteem and Body Image

Identifying and Changing Negative Self-Talk

An important goal when treating anorexia nervosa is building self-esteem and a positive body image. This can be challenging since negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself are often deeply ingrained in those who suffer from this disorder. However, identifying and changing negative self-talk is crucial to achieving this goal.

Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C, DAPA states that “One of the biggest challenges in overcoming eating disorders is making sense of all the negative messages and distorted beliefs these patients hold onto as truth.” She explains that one way to identify negative self-talk is by paying attention to any critical or degrading thoughts about oneself related to food, weight, or shape.

Once negative self-talk has been identified, it is important to challenge these thoughts with evidence-based reasoning. Christine Hammond, MS, LMHC suggests “After you have determined your negative self-talk lie (which ones are totally false), come up with some alternative phrases to say to yourself”.

This process may take time and effort, but it is worth it for the long-term benefits of improved self-esteem and confidence. Dr. Elisha Goldstein, PhD recommends understanding that “Changing the inner dialogue does require consistent engagement” but also reminds us that “it’s entirely possible to start hosting your own top-rated TED Talk inside your mind” once effective techniques are implemented.

Practicing Self-Care and Positive Affirmations

In addition to identifying and changing negative self-talk, practicing self-care and positive affirmations can help build self-esteem and promote a healthy body image in those recovering from anorexia nervosa. It is common for individuals with anorexia to neglect their physical and emotional needs, but taking time to care for oneself can have a profound impact on overall well-being.

Dr. Maria Almudever, MD recommends recognizing the importance of self-care and prioritizing it in daily life. This may include activities such as yoga, meditation, and spending time outside in nature. Additionally, Dr. Giovanni Cizza, MD emphasizes the value of regular exercise in promoting both physical and mental health.

Along with practicing self-care, incorporating positive affirmations into daily routines can help counteract negative self-talk and build confidence. As Christine Hammond, MS, LMHC explains, “An affirmation is simply identifying what you want to believe about yourself and repeating it often enough until you do.”

“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.” -Peter T. McIntyre

Positive affirmations can be individualized to fit personal needs and goals. Some examples include “I am worthy of love and respect,” “My body is beautiful just the way it is,” and “I trust my body’s wisdom to nourish itself.” Repeating these affirmations regularly can lead to improved self-esteem and a greater sense of self-acceptance.

• Ferentz, L. (2018). The Importance of Self-Talk In Eating Disorder Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-brave/201802/the-importance-self-talk-in-eating-disorder-recovery
• Hammond, C. (n.d.). Healing Your Negative Self-Talk And Building Confidence With Affirmative Statements. Retrieved from https://pro.psychcentral.com/healing-your-negative-self-talk-and-building-confidence-with-affirmative-statements/
• Goldstein, E. (2014). 6 Steps to Help Heal Your Negative Self-Talk. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201402/6-steps-help-heal-your-negative-self-talk
• Almudever, M. (n.d.). The Importance of Self Care in Eating Disorder Recovery. Retrieved from http://eatingdisorder.org/eating-disorder-information/stages-of-recovery/self-care-importance/
• Cizza, G. (2007). Exercise and the Endocrine System. Frontiers of Hormone Research,36, 126-148.

Creating a Long-Term Recovery Plan

Treating anorexia nervosa requires more than just gaining weight or eating normally for a short period of time. In order to fully recover, creating a long-term recovery plan that includes setting realistic goals and maintaining a support system is crucial.

Setting Realistic Goals

The first step in creating a long-term recovery plan is setting realistic goals. It’s common for individuals with anorexia nervosa to have unrealistic expectations for their body size, shape, and weight. These expectations may be fueled by messages from society, friends, or family members, which can make it difficult to establish what a healthy goal looks like.

To set realistic goals, it’s important to work with a healthcare professional who specializes in eating disorders. Together, you can determine what a healthy weight range is for you based on your height, gender, age, and medical history. From there, you can develop specific goals related to weight gain, food intake, exercise habits, and other behaviors that are part of the recovery process.

Keep in mind that realistic goals should not be focused solely on weight and calorie intake. Recovery involves developing a healthier relationship with yourself, your body, and food. This means addressing underlying issues such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, trauma, or low self-esteem that may have contributed to the development of anorexia nervosa.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu

Recovery is a journey that often has its ups and downs. Celebrating small victories along the way can help maintain motivation and momentum towards larger goals. Remember to be kind to yourself throughout this process; setbacks are a normal part of any recovery journey.

Maintaining a Support System

The second key component of a long-term recovery plan is maintaining a support system. Anorexia nervosa can be isolating and lonely, which makes it all the more important to have people in your life who can offer encouragement, accountability, and a listening ear.

Your support system may include family members, friends, healthcare professionals, or peers who are also on the journey towards recovery. Consider reaching out to online groups or forums where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

It’s important to communicate clearly with your support system about your needs and boundaries. This might include setting up regular check-ins with loved ones, asking for help with meal planning or grocery shopping, or being honest about your struggles and victories along the way.

“Recovery from eating disorders requires both professional medical treatment and supportive, involved relationships with trusted supporters.” -National Eating Disorders Association

Maintaining a support system also involves seeking professional help when needed. A healthcare professional who specializes in eating disorders can provide guidance, support, and tools for managing symptoms. They can also refer you to additional resources such as therapists or support groups that may be helpful in your recovery.

Creating a long-term recovery plan for anorexia nervosa involves setting realistic goals and maintaining a strong support system. Recovery is not a linear process and often involves setbacks, but having specific goals and a supportive community can make the journey toward lasting wellness possible.

Frequently Asked Questions