Predictors of Complications in Anorexia Nervosa and Atypical Anorexia Nervosa: Degree of Underweight or Extent and Recency of Weight Loss?

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescents with atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) can experience severe physical complications despite not being underweight, posing questions about the contribution of weight loss to complications experienced in restrictive eating disorders (EDs). This study compared total weight loss and recent weight loss with admission weight as predictors of physical and psychological complications. Methods: Retrospective (2005–2010) and prospective (2011–2013) studies were undertaken of 12- to 19-year-old hospitalized adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) or AAN, defined as meeting criteria for AN except underweight (≥85% median body mass index). Predictors were total weight loss (from lifetim..