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Relapse is a substantial problem in eating disorders. Until recently, there have been few investigations into maintenance treatments aimed at helping patients maintain improvements made in treatment. This study compared the outcomes of group-based intensive outpatient versus individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based maintenance treatments for eating disorders, following inpatient or day treatment. In this sequential cohort study, patients received the type of maintenance treatment (intensive outpatient group or individual CBT) available at the time. A total of 221 patients with eating disorders were included, and data were examined retrospectively. Cox regression was used to determine whether treatment type predicted rate of return to clinically significant symptoms over the 12 months following inpatient or day treatment. Intensive outpatient group versus individual CBT maintenance treatment did not predict differential rate or trajectory of return to clinically significant symptoms in diagnostic subgroups and the overall sample. Maintenance treatment type did not predict changes in weight/shape concerns between end-of-inpatient or day treatment) and 6- or 12-month follow-up (after controlling for diagnosis). Although the treatments appeared similarly effective in helping patients maintain gains made in intensive treatment, individual CBT may be a more time- and cost-efficient approach to delivering maintenance treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research examining ways in which bulimic women use their body weight as a criterion for their self-esteem is presented. Comparative studies involving unrestrained eaters, eating-disordered and restrained patients are described.

The accuracy of self reported weight in those with an eating disorder, was compared to those without an eating disorder.

Abstract Health Issue Body weight is of physical and psychological importance to Canadian women; it is associated with health status, physical activity, body image, and self-esteem. Although the problems associated with overweight and obesity are indeed serious, there are also problems connected to being underweight. Weight prejudice and the dieting industry intensify body image concerns for Canadian women and can have a major negative impact on self-esteem. Key Findings Women have lower BMIs than men, a lower incidence of being overweight and a higher incidence of being underweight. However, women across all weight categories are more dissatisfied with their bodies. Sixty percent of women are inactive, and women with a BMI of 27 or higher are more likely to be inactive than women with lower BMIs. The data show that women are aware of the health benefits of exercise, but there is a gap between knowledge and practice. When asked about barriers to health improvement, 39.7% of women cited lack of time and 39.2% lack of willpower. Data Gaps and Recommendations Weight prejudice must be made unacceptable and positive body image should be encouraged and diversity valued. Health policies should encourage healthy eating and healthy activity. Health curricula for young students should include information about healthy eating, active lifestyle, and self-esteem. Physical activities that mothers can participate in with their families should be encouraged. Research should be funded to elucidate the most effective methods of getting women to become and remain physically active without focusing on appearance.

This article reviews the literature on the psychological consequences of dieting. In particular, the authors examine the impact of dieting on mood, self-esteem, cognition, and eating behavior. The famous Keys study of starvation is discussed in relation to impaired concentration, food preoccupation, negative affect, and binge eating behavior. Overall, the literature indicates that dieting has a negative impact on psychological well-being. As a result, alternative nondieting approaches toward eating are presented and recommended to promote psychological health.

Restrained and unrestrained eaters were weighed 5 lb (2.27 kg) heavier or 5 lb lighter than their actual weight or were not weighed at all. Unrestrained eaters and restrained eaters who were told they weighed 5 lb less were not affected by the false weight feedback. However, restrained eaters who were informed that they weighed 5 lb more reported lower self-esteem, less positive moods, and more negative moods than did restrained eaters in the other 2 conditions. Furthermore, restrained eaters who were led to believe that they weighed heavier ate significantly more food during a subsequent 'taste test' than did each of the other groups. Restrained eaters who believed that they were heavier experienced lowered self-worth and a worsening of mood that led them to relinquish their dietary restraint and overindulge in available food. Implications for patients with eating disorders are discussed.

Studies of palatable and unpalatable foods given to anxious and nonanxious and restrained and unrestrained eaters show an increased intake of food by distressed dieters irrespective of the taste. Restrained eaters feel temporary suppression of dysphoria on increased eating. Stimulus sensitivity theories suggest that distress changes the dieters' concentration to external stimulus properties. Mechanisms of restrained eating and the characteristics of eating disorder patients are examined.

The traditional group format of day hospital treatment for eating disorders restricts individual tailoring of treatment, which is challenging when complex cases are referred. In 2007 we introduced a new program that included individual sessions. Patients referred to this program were older, had longer illness duration, and more pre-treatment symptoms than the original group program. These clients also had more psychopathology, and were more likely to have a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype. Weight gain and abstinence from symptoms were less likely for patients in this new program. However, premature discharge, rapid response, symptom frequencies, and relapse rates did not differ. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]