Effect of Non-Select Menus on Weight and Eating Concern in Adolescents Hospitalized With Anorexia Nervosa

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of food service menu type (i.e., non-select versus select) on weight restoration and eating concern for adolescent patients hospitalized with Anorexia Nervosa. Charts of 40 adolescents (mean age 13.3 +/− 2.2 years) were reviewed. Rate of weight gain was significantly increased when non-select menus were used (0.95 kg/wk versus 0.72 kg/wk [p < .03]). No significant differences in total weight gain, length of stay, or eating concern were observed. Non-select menus significantly increase rate of weight restoration in children and adolescents hospitalized with Anorexia Nervosa.

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr. Debbie Vanderheyden for her assistance with manuscript revision and data collection, and Larry Stitt for his statistical advice.