Virtually Accompanied Eating in the Outpatient Therapy of Anorexia Nervosa
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Date
2023
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Abstract
Background: Normalizing the eating pattern and weight recovery are the main objectives
in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Eating accompaniment through shared mealtimes is a common
strategy in eating disorder management programs. This study aims to examine the impact on weight
gain of an internet-delivered meal support group on patients with AN who were under ambulatory
treatment with the Eating Disorders Unit of the UC Christus Health Network, Chile. Methods: An
observational study of 54 female patients with AN diagnosis who participated in Online Meal Support
Groups (OMSGs) three times a week was performed. Their weight, BMI and BMI%, was reviewed at
the beginning of the sessions and at 45- and 90-day follow-up. Results: Patients showed significant
weight gain during follow-up. At the 90-day follow-up, patients had gained 4.41 (SD ± 2.82) kg with
an effect size of −1.563. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found between the
weight at the beginning of the intervention and at the 45- and 90-day follow-up, meaning that eating
support online groups may be an effective intervention for weight gain and maintenance in patients
with AN. These findings highlight the viability of developing cost-effective and more accessible
interventions for AN and thus help reduce the duration of untreated disease and its consequences.
Description
Keywords
Eating disorders, Anorexia nervosa, Online meal support groups, Weight recovery, Geographical barriers