Management of Eating Disorders for People with Higher Weight: Clinical Practice Guideline
Sarah Trobe1 1National Eating Disorders Collaboration, BRUNSWICK, VIC, Australia
Abstract
Introduction: The prevalence of eating disorders is high in people with higher weight, particularly those presenting for weight-loss and with metabolic co-morbidities. Despite the high prevalence, eating disorders experienced by people with higher weight have been consistently under-recognised and under-treated, and there has been little to guide clinicians in the management of eating disorders in this population. The aim of this guideline is to synthesise the current best practice approaches to the management of eating disorders in people with higher weight and make evidence-based clinical practice recommendations.
Materials and methods:
The National Eating Disorders Collaboration Steering Committee auspiced a Development Group for Guideline who followed the ‘Guidelines for Guidelines’ process outlined by the National Health and Medical Research Council. The Development Group included people with clinical and/or academic expertise and/or lived experience. The guideline underwent extensive peer review and consultation involving reviews by key stakeholders, including experts and organisations with clinical, academic and/or lived experience.
Results: Twenty-one clinical recommendations are made and graded according to the National Health and Medical Research Council evidence grades. Strong recommendations were supported for psychological treatment as a first-line treatment approach for adults, adolescents and children. Clinical considerations such as weight stigma, interprofessional collaborative practice and cultural considerations are also discussed.
Conclusions: This guideline fills an important gap in the need for all health professionals to better understand and care for people experiencing eating disorders who also have higher weight.
Authors:
Angelique F Ralph, Leah Brennan, Sue Byrne, Belinda Caldwell, Jo Farmer, Laura M Hart, Gabriella A Heruc, Sarah Maguire, Milan K Piya, Julia Quin, Sarah K Trobe, Andrew Wallis, AJ Williams-Tchen, Phillipa Hay
Biography
Dr Sarah Trobe, PhD ClinPsych, is a registered Clinical Psychologist and is the National Manager for the National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC). Her work focuses on building the system of care for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders, including workforce development, system improvement, and clinical standards. Clinically, Sarah has worked in both private and public settings with children and adolescents experiencing eating disorders as well as other mental health difficulties, and her work in these areas is supported by further studies in nutrition.