Nutrition Therapy for Eating Disorders

Nutrition professionals are essential members of the multidis- ciplinary clinical team treating individuals with eating disorders. They possess knowledge and expertise that includes nutrition, physiology, and skills for promoting behavior change relative to the psycho-socio-cultural aspects of eating. This review provides an overview of the current state of the art in the practice of nutrition therapy for eating disorders, providing guidance in nutrition assessment, interventions, monitoring and interpretation of information and data, awareness of emerging roles for nutrition, and important considerations regarding professional boundaries practiced in the field of eating disorders. Training and experience in nutrition therapy specific to eating disorders promote a positive outcome in patients. Nutrition professionals are involved in all levels of care, including individual and group treatment in inpatient hospitalization or residential programs, partial hospitalization, and outpatient programs. It is beyond the scope of this article to address specific nutrition considerations relevant to individuals. Additional research is needed to delineate the most effective strategies for nutrition therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. © 2010 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.