Weight suppression is a robust predictor of outcome in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of bulimia nervosa JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY Butryn, M. L., Lowe, M. R., Safer, D. L., Agras, W. S. 2006; 115 (1): 62-67

Abstract

This study examined weight suppression (difference between highest premorbid weight and pretreatment weight) as a predictor of outcome in 188 outpatients with bulimia nervosa enrolled in a cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention. Participants who dropped out of treatment had significantly higher levels of weight suppression than treatment completers. Of participants who completed treatment, those who continued to engage in binge eating or purging had significantly higher levels of weight suppression than those who were abstinent from bingeing and purging. Results did not change when body mass index, dietary restraint, weight and shape concerns, or other relevant variables were controlled. Relinquishing bulimic behaviors and adopting normal eating patterns may be most feasible for patients who are closest to their highest premorbid weights.

View details for DOI 10.1037/0021-843X.115.1.62

View details for Web of Science ID 000236055600007

View details for PubMedID 16492096