Anorexia Nervosa: Nothing Atypical About It

Weight stigma remains a present and ongoing challenge in our healthcare setting, which can impact an individual’s access to care. Individuals diagnosed with Atypical Anorexia Nervosa can experience weight stigma leading to a delay in necessary treatment and even praise for weight loss despite having the same psychological burden, medical complications, and risks that an individual in a smaller body who is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa experiences. This presentation will review how diet culture and weight stigma impact eating disorders and discuss ways to support individuals in diverse bodies who are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. Presenters will review proper assessment techniques and treatment interventions. In addition, the presentation will address ways to challenge weight stigma within the treatment setting and support patients in navigating weight stigma outside of treatment.

Educational Objectives:

Following this presentation, participants will be able to

• Discuss diagnostic criteria and interventions recommended for individuals diagnosed with Atypical Anorexia.
• Describe the impacts of diet culture on body image and disordered eating.
• Discuss weight stigma and be able to describe 1-2 ways to support patients with navigating weight stigma.