artículo
Virtually Accompanied Eating in the Outpatient Therapy of Anorexia Nervosa
Fecha
2023Registro en:
10.3390/nu15173783
2072-6643
Autor
Vogel, Melina
Gil, Aurora
Galaz, Camila
Urrejola Noguera, Pascuala
Lacalle, Lucas
Jara, Raúl
Irribarra Pastenes, Verónica
Letelier, Matias
Costa, Daniela
Espinoza, Gabriela
Institución
Resumen
Background: Normalizing the eating pattern and weight recovery are the main objectives
in treating anorexia nervosa (AN). Eating accompaniment through shared mealtimes is a common
strategy in eating disorder management programs. This study aims to examine the impact on weight
gain of an internet-delivered meal support group on patients with AN who were under ambulatory
treatment with the Eating Disorders Unit of the UC Christus Health Network, Chile. Methods: An
observational study of 54 female patients with AN diagnosis who participated in Online Meal Support
Groups (OMSGs) three times a week was performed. Their weight, BMI and BMI%, was reviewed at
the beginning of the sessions and at 45- and 90-day follow-up. Results: Patients showed significant
weight gain during follow-up. At the 90-day follow-up, patients had gained 4.41 (SD ± 2.82) kg with
an effect size of −1.563. Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were found between the
weight at the beginning of the intervention and at the 45- and 90-day follow-up, meaning that eating
support online groups may be an effective intervention for weight gain and maintenance in patients
with AN. These findings highlight the viability of developing cost-effective and more accessible
interventions for AN and thus help reduce the duration of untreated disease and its consequences.