Treating Bulimia Nervosa and Achieving Medically Required Weight Loss: A Case Study. Issue 1 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McDonald, Julia B.; Rancourt, Diana
• Is Part Of: Cognitive and behavioral practice. Volume 30:Issue 1(2023)
• Page Start: 146
• Page End: 159
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: eating disorder -- psychotherapy -- obesity -- overweight -- weight management; Behavior therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Behavior Therapy -- Periodicals; Cognitive Therapy -- Periodicals; 616.8914205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.06.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1077-7229

Abstract

Highlights: Integrated eating disorder and weight loss treatments focus on binge eating. Other eating disorders are overlooked in the integrated treatment literature. Sustained eating disorder remission and weight loss were achieved. Practical guidance for integrating cognitive behavioral treatments is provided. Integrated treatment research is needed for other eating disorders and weight loss. Abstract: Eating disorder and weight loss interventions have typically been regarded as distinct or antithetical, despite a growing number of individuals with comorbid eating pathology and obesity. This siloing of research and practice has created a clinical conundrum for providers seeking to treat individuals with an eating disorder seeking to lose weight (e.g., required pre-surgical weight loss). To date, integrated treatment research targeting both eating disorders and weight loss is rare and practical guidance is lacking, especially for restrictive/binge-purge subtypes. This case example describes how an integrated approach was applied within a naturalistic outpatient clinical practice setting to successfully treat a client presenting with excess weight and severe bulimia nervosa who was medically required to lose weight for orthopedic surgery. We conclude by reviewing the benefits and challenges of integrating eating disorder and behavioral weight loss treatments and providing practical insights for treatment providers.