Importance of a Weight-Gain-First Strategy when Recovering from Anorexia Nervosa
Date
2018-04-19
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Abstract
This research paper chronicles the imperative need for people recovering from anorexia nervosa to gain weight quickly. Many treatment methods wait for the patient to heal the mind before putting on weight, but malnutrition disallows correct brain function. Therefore, without significant weight gain, healing of the mind simply is not possible. Additionally, the weight gain cannot be restricted nor predicted by a scale. Bodies all work differently, especially bodies that were starved for extended periods of time. The research contained in this paper argues for trusting the body to gain the necessary weight, uninterrupted by doctors’ scales or charts. The paper starts by defining anorexia nervosa and corrects misconceptions. It also details the many physical effects detrimental to the patient’s health, defends why weight recovery should be the primary focus, describes old approaches to weight restoration, and warns of the challenges that weight gain will bring. The paper engages a wide range of research to advance for fast and unrestricted weight gain.
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Anorexia nervosa, Weight gain, Recovery, Malnutrition, Misconceptions, RISE Above Research Conference