What is the primary goal when treating anorexia nervosa?

The primary goal when treating anorexia nervosa is to restore weight. This is crucial because individuals with anorexia typically have significantly low body weight that can pose serious health risks. Weight restoration helps to improve physical health, and it also contributes to psychological recovery. When patients regain a healthier weight, it can lead to improvements in various physiological functions and may also help alleviate some symptoms associated with psychological distress, such as anxiety or depression.

While developing a meal plan or improving social relationships may play important roles in the overall treatment strategy, the foundational step is to address the immediate threat to health presented by dangerously low body weight. Without weight restoration, other therapeutic interventions may be less effective, as the severity of the physical condition often overshadows psychological and social factors. Limiting food exposure, on the other hand, is contrary to the treatment approach and would not be an effective strategy for recovery.