The use of target weights in the inpatient treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa

Abstract

This study investigates how weight targets are set, monitored and used in the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) within inpatient services in the UK and Europe. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and analysis of specimen weight charts returned by 21 sampled services. Target weights were set in the majority of services and were a key element of the therapeutic process. However there was considerable variation in how target weights were calculated, expected rates of weight gain and the link between length of stay and attainment of targets. At present little outcome evidence exists on which services can base decisions around these variables; so a consensus is hard to achieve. Nevertheless some inconsistencies seem to exist between aspects of current practice which might usefully be addressed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.