A Weight-Inclusive Approach to Restrictive Eating Disorders: De-Centering Weight

To examine the case for de-centering weight in the diagnosis of both anorexia nervosa (AN) and atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN).

We summarized research examining the weight-based similarities and differences between AN and AAN as well as how weight is measured and discussed in research on AAN.

We suggest that weight-based differences in the diagnosis of AN and AAN may unintentionally perpetuate weight stigma experienced by individuals with AAN throughout the diagnostic and treatment processes. We extend the work of previous researchers by considering how AAN and AN might be considered as one disorder that occurs across the weight spectrum, with presentation and severity specifiers that remove a focus on BMI and enable more equitable access to care for those with AAN.

We propose further examination and scholarly discussion for the conceptualization of AN and AAN as one disorder that occurs across the weight spectrum.