Weight changes during inpatient refeeding of underweight eating disorder patients

Abstract

Aim To describe patterns of weight change in patients admitted to a specialised eating disorder program with established protocols for inpatient refeeding.

Methods Weight records between January 2000 and December 2006 were categorised using Body Mass Index (BMI) at first admission (BMI ranges < 14.0, 14.1–17.49, 17.5–18.9 kg/m2). Total weight gained, number of days of inpatient treatment and rate of weekly weight gain were examined.

Results In total there were 247 patients representing 414 admissions. The rate of weight gain was 0.77, 0.63 and 0.53 kg/week, respectively, for each BMI group. Twenty patients (8.1%) in the refeeding program did not gain weight.

Conclusion Weight gain in underweight patients is highly variable. A greater understanding of the processes that contribute to weight gain, and establishment of best practice in achieving weight gain in patients needs to be determined. This data provide detailed information about expectations for refeeding without artificial feeding.