Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Re-feeding is the main way that the anorexia sufferer will begin to restore the necessary weight
required to be a healthy BMI. Ideally, support to achieve weight restoration will be provided by a
nutritionist with experience of working within the field of eating disorders and with the regular
support of a therapist. While artificial means of re-feeding are only used as a last resort, such
approaches may be deemed in some cases as essential to safeguarding the patient's life. Key
areas to be explored in this article are now listed below.
Re-feeding Syndrome is the term commonly used to describe a variety of different electrolyte
disturbances which may occur during the process of re-feeding. It is for this reason that the
patient's levels of essential minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium must be closely
monitored, particularly at the beginning of treatment. This syndrome is more commonly seen in
severely underweight, malnourished patients and severe complications may arise as a result of
the individual receiving too much food too soon.
To conclude, it is important that patients are educated about the possible complications of re-
feeding as well as reassured that common symptoms such as delayed gastric emptying will
resolve in time. Throughout the re-feeding period it is advisable that the patient is regularly
monitored and this is particularly crucial in the early stages.
Sources:
Abraham, S. & Llewellyn-Jones, D. (1997) Eating Disorders: The Facts Oxford University Press
Shepphird, S. (2010) 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa Massachussets: Jones
& Bartlett
Treasure et al. (2003) Handbook of Eating Disorders Chichester: John Wiley & Sons