Which of the following is a primary treatment goal in anorexia nervosa?

Which of the following is a primary treatment goal in anorexia nervosa?

• A. The development of a calorie-restricted diet plan
• B. The development of a regular exercise schedule
• C. The repairing of family interactions
• D. The reinstitution of normal nutrition to counteract a state of malnutrition

Answer: (D)

Restoring normal nutrition to counteract malnutrition is the foundational aim in treating anorexia nervosa. When someone has restricted intake and lost substantial weight, the body’s tissues and organs are not functioning optimally, and medical risks can be life-threatening. The primary goal, therefore, is to refeed gradually to bring weight back to a healthy level, stabilize vital signs, and correct electrolyte and metabolic disturbances. This creates the physiological baseline needed for further psychological and behavioral therapies to be effective. Why the other options aren’t the main goal: a calorie-restricted diet would keep the person in a state of malnutrition and worsen medical risk. establishing a regular exercise schedule can be harmful in anorexia unless carefully supervised and not a primary treatment aim. repairing family interactions is important and can support recovery, especially in adolescents, but it is a component of therapy rather than the central objective. Reinstating normal nutrition directly addresses the medical instability caused by the eating disorder and sets the stage for longer-term recovery.

Restoring normal nutrition to counteract malnutrition is the foundational aim in treating anorexia nervosa. When someone has restricted intake and lost substantial weight, the body’s tissues and organs are not functioning optimally, and medical risks can be life-threatening. The primary goal, therefore, is to refeed gradually to bring weight back to a healthy level, stabilize vital signs, and correct electrolyte and metabolic disturbances. This creates the physiological baseline needed for further psychological and behavioral therapies to be effective.

Why the other options aren’t the main goal: a calorie-restricted diet would keep the person in a state of malnutrition and worsen medical risk. establishing a regular exercise schedule can be harmful in anorexia unless carefully supervised and not a primary treatment aim. repairing family interactions is important and can support recovery, especially in adolescents, but it is a component of therapy rather than the central objective. Reinstating normal nutrition directly addresses the medical instability caused by the eating disorder and sets the stage for longer-term recovery.