Lower targets for weekly weight gain lead to better results in inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa: A pilot study

Objective: To compare the short-term impact of different targets for minimum weekly weight gain (MWWG) in inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa. Method: Comparison of weight gain and its maintenance in 16 consecutively admitted anorexic patients with MWWG targeted at 750 g and in the subsequent 16 patients with MWWG targeted at 500 g. Results: Both groups were characterized by severely ill anorexic patients who were comparable on most measures. A total of 69 and 81 per cent, respectively, reached target weight (m = 18.3 (SD = 0.4) kg/m(2)). During the subsequent 10 weeks under standardized inpatient conditions, 12 of 13 achievers in the 500 g per week group maintained or increased their weight compared to only three of 11 in the 750 g per week group (p less than or equal to 0.002). Discussion: Lower rather than higher MWWG targets under a clear symptom focus may be advantageous regarding the short-term symptomatic improvement of anorectic patients. The findings raise important questions regarding weight gain and its regulation on the biological (e.g. leptin system), psychological and social levels. Copyright (C) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.