Setting Target Weights - Are We Aiming High Enough?

On August 21^st, 2024, Monte Nido's Rebecka Peebles, MD, FAAP, Vice President of Adolescent Medicine, and Nathalia Trees, MS, RD, CEDS-C, Vice President of Nutrition Services, hosted an insightful webinar titled "Setting Target Weights: Are We Aiming High Enough?" The event focused on the importance of establishing appropriate target weights for adolescents recovering from eating disorders, emphasizing individualized goal setting and the need for team collaboration.

Watch the Quick Video Recap

Key Takeaways for Eating Disorder Recovery Goal Weight Setting

1. Embrace fearlessness: Normalize weight gain 
2. The largest predictor of relapse is the lack of weight recovery. 
3. Do not offer lower target weights to “ease” them into it 
4. Weight loss is always risky in those with a history of an ED or at risk to develop one
5. Team collaboration is required for successful client outcomes
6. Do not fear what the ED fears > Model distress tolerance
7. Don’t let weight bias affect decisions around appropriate target weights > Remind patient & family that it’s normal for developing young people to gain some weight every year
8. We don’t recommend future weight loss > Encourage normalizing eating patterns

The Dos and Don'ts of Goal Weight Setting for Eating Disorder Recovery

• Don't use the Hamwi Equation: This equation was developed for adults and has significant limitations, is not research-based, underestimates target weights, is not designed for adolescents, and was not developed with eating disorders in mind.
• Do use individualized goal weights: Reflects individual growth patterns consistent with historical growth trajectory, considers pubertal stage, and accounts for catch-up height. Remember there is no such thing as a maintenancy weight under the age of 28.

Parent and Provider Goal Weight Setting Resources

The presenters provided a list of valuable resources for parents and providers, including articles, blog posts, and videos on the importance of setting higher target weights for individuals recovering from eating disorders. These resources can be accessed via the links below:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32534455/
2. https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/are-we-setting-recovery-weights-too-low/#https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/are-we-setting-recovery-weights-too-low/
3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hunger-artist/201402/recovering-anorexia-how-and-why-not-stop-halfway
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yVa7jlUsMY
5. https://anorexiafamily.com/target-weight-individualized-vs-bmi-eating-disorder/?v=7516fd43adaa
6. https://tabithafarrar.com/2017/09/clinicians-not-help-us-recover-anorexia-set-low-targets/
7. https://www.feast-ed.org/when-in-doubt-aim-higher-what-i-wish-id-known-about-target-weights-in-recovery/

Evaluating Target Weights in Adolescent Eating Disorder Recovery

The "Setting Target Weights: Are We Aiming High Enough?" webinar highlighted the importance of establishing appropriate target weights for adolescents recovering from eating disorders. By focusing on individualized goal setting, fostering team collaboration, and challenging weight bias, healthcare providers can support long-term recovery and promote healthy development for their clients.

‍

Visit our the Continuing Education section of our website to review and register for our future CE offerings. We look forward to seeing you there!