Weighing in: qualitative explorations of weight restoration as recovery in anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Plain English summary The manuscript describes the results of inductive, grounded theory analysis of 150 narratives, with the aim to explore what researchers most need to know about the role of weight in anorexia nervosa (AN) and recovery. Sociological theories of AN have focused on the sociocultural context in which people experience AN. We reframe that sociocultural focus using the perspectives of individuals with AN experience, who challenge weight and appearance-based understandings of AN. This study offers important insights surrounding perceived appearances of AN and recovery, motivations for AN, and barriers to healing. Voices of individuals with AN are important to hear to better understand recovery, low rates of treatment completion, and high rates of suicide in AN.

Keywords

• Eating disorder
• Diet culture
• Health
• Illness
• Sick enough
• Treatment