[Intensive outpatient treatment for eating disorders in Mexico, contextualized for Latin America].

Introduction

in Latin America, access to specialized treatment for eating disorders (EDs) remains limited. Despite advances in detection and diagnosis, there are still major gaps in the availability of intensive and appropriate services, particularly outside large urban centers. Most existing treatment models were developed in high-income countries and do not always reflect the sociocultural, economic, and structural realities of the region.

Objective

this report aims to document the implementation and evaluation of a scalable intermediate care model for EDs, with implications for adoption in public health systems across Latin America.

Methods

the model integrates outpatient care and partial hospitalization through a structured three-phase therapeutic program focused on symptom interruption, cognitive-behavioral restructuring, and relapse prevention. The interdisciplinary team includes professionals in psychology, psychiatry, nutrition, and internal medicine, using evidence-based approaches adapted to the Mexican context. Since 2000, the program has treated over 700 patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and other ED presentations.

Results

clinical data from a subsample of 502 patients indicate significant improvements in ED symptoms and psychological functioning, maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion

this experience demonstrates the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of an intensive outpatient model tailored to Latin American contexts. Its implementation may help bridge the treatment gap for EDs in middle-income countries and support the development of more equitable and accessible mental health systems in the region.