EATING DISORDERS: A DIETITIANS ROLE IN TREATMENT

Course overview

Eating disorders are characterized by disturbances in eating behaviors and body image. Clinical eating disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is defined as a refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, usually less than 85% of desirable weight. The patient with bulimia nervosa often manifests with a normal body weight but with purging behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or diuretics, or excessive exercise to burn off calories. Eating disorder treatment involves a multidisciplinary team, including a physician, nurse, dietitian, and mental health counselor. Recovery rates are low, especially for anorexia nervosa, but a better prognosis is seen for patients with bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders, such a binge eating.