Weight suppression and weight maintenance following treatment of anorexia nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

The value of weight suppression (WS) in predicting the course of anorexia nervosa (AN) is uncertain. The objective of this study was to determine, using data from a previously published study, whether patients who remain weight suppressed following restoration to a minimally normal weight are at greater risk for relapse.

METHOD: Following weight restoration, 93 women with AN were randomly assigned to receive fluoxetine or placebo along with cognitive behavioral therapy for 1 year. WS (highest adult weight minus current weight), body mass index (BMI), and their interaction were assessed as predictors of change in weight over the first 28 days, of successful weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months, and of time to relapse.

RESULTS

Neither WS nor its interaction with BMI predicted successful weight maintenance at 6 and 12 months, time to relapse, or weight change over the first 28 days following discharge.

DISCUSSION: This study found that WS does not substantially impact the likelihood of successful weight maintenance or time to relapse following restoration to a minimally normal weight in AN.