Monte Nido logo
Treatment
What we treat
What we treatAnorexia NervosaAtypical AnorexiaBulimia NervosaBinge Eating
See all
Who we serve
Who we serveAdolescentsAll gendersFamilies and loved onesAthletes
See more
Programs
Our programsVirtual treatmentDay treatmentResidential treatmentInpatient treatment
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
APPROACH
Our approachTherapeutic philosophyNutrition

Do I have an eating disorder?

This 2-minute quiz can help you see if you or your loved one might have an eating disorder.

Take the screening assessment
Locations
ArizonaArizona
CaliforniaCalifornia
ColoradoColorado
ConnecticutConnecticut
FloridaFlorida
GeorgiaGeorgia
IdahoIdaho
IllinoisIllinois
MaineMaine
MarylandMaryland
MassachusettsMassachusetts
MissouriMissouri
MontanaMontana
NevadaNevada
New HampshireNew Hampshire
New JerseyNew Jersey
New YorkNew York
North CarolinaNorth Carolina
OhioOhio
OregonOregon
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania
Rhode IslandRhode Island
South CarolinaSouth Carolina
TennesseeTennessee
TexasTexas
UtahUtah
VermontVermont
VirginiaVirginia
WashingtonWashington
VirtualVirtual
a map of the united states of the united states

Discover the Nearest Location

Get matched with our nearest location by sharing a bit about yourself.

Find a locationSeek virtual care
For You
For loved ones
Arrow Right
For clients & alumni
Arrow Right
Caring for loved onesVirtual support groupsResources for loved ones
For alumni
Post-treatment supportVirtual support groups for alumniResources
Documents
Request a medical record

Latest content for loved ones

See all
May 15, 2025
Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
May 9, 2025
What to Do If You Think Your Child Has Bulimia Nervosa

Latest content for you

See all
May 19, 2025
Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
May 12, 2025
6 Facts About Binge Eating Disorder You Might Not Have Known
March 17, 2025
How a Dietitian Can Help with Eating Disorders
Placeholder
For Providers
Referrals 101
Outpatient ProvidersFacilities & Hospitals
Continuing educationMeet our Outreach Team
Refer now: Outpatient Providers
Refer now: Facilities & Hospitals

Latest content for providers

See all
May 14, 2025
Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences
April 9, 2025
What is ARFID? Understanding Diagnosis and Treatment
March 12, 2025
Attention Needed: Navigating ADHD and Eating Disorders
About Us
About us
What Monte Nido isOur latest outcomes reportTrusted outcomesLeadershipAdvocacy
Reference
TestimonialsOur work in the newsBlog
Admissions
AdmissionsInsurance CheckerFinancial considerationsFAQ
Join
Careers
Reach out to us
888-228-1253
Reach out to us
Home
Blog
Setting Target Weights - Are We Aiming High Enough?
Home
Blog
Setting Target Weights - Are We Aiming High Enough?
For providers

Setting Target Weights - Are We Aiming High Enough?

August 21, 2024

5 min read

Rebecka Peebles

On August 21st, 2024, Monte Nido's Rebecka Peebles, MD, FAAP, Vice President of Adolescent Medicine, and Nathalia Trees, MS, RD, CEDS-C, Vice President of Nutrition Services, hosted an insightful webinar titled "Setting Target Weights: Are We Aiming High Enough?" The event focused on the importance of establishing appropriate target weights for adolescents recovering from eating disorders, emphasizing individualized goal setting and the need for team collaboration.

Watch the Quick Video Recap

Key Takeaways for Eating Disorder Recovery Goal Weight Setting

  1. Embrace fearlessness: Normalize weight gain 
  2. The largest predictor of relapse is the lack of weight recovery. 
  3. Do not offer lower target weights to “ease” them into it 
  4. Weight loss is always risky in those with a history of an ED or at risk to develop one
  5. Team collaboration is required for successful client outcomes
  6. Do not fear what the ED fears > Model distress tolerance
  7. Don’t let weight bias affect decisions around appropriate target weights > Remind patient & family that it’s normal for developing young people to gain some weight every year
  8. We don’t recommend future weight loss > Encourage normalizing eating patterns

The Dos and Don'ts of Goal Weight Setting for Eating Disorder Recovery

  • Don't use the Hamwi Equation: This equation was developed for adults and has significant limitations, is not research-based, underestimates target weights, is not designed for adolescents, and was not developed with eating disorders in mind.
  • Do use individualized goal weights: Reflects individual growth patterns consistent with historical growth trajectory, considers pubertal stage, and accounts for catch-up height. Remember there is no such thing as a maintenancy weight under the age of 28.

Parent and Provider Goal Weight Setting Resources

The presenters provided a list of valuable resources for parents and providers, including articles, blog posts, and videos on the importance of setting higher target weights for individuals recovering from eating disorders. These resources can be accessed via the links below:

  1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32534455/
  2. https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/are-we-setting-recovery-weights-too-low/#https://www.eatingdisordertherapyla.com/are-we-setting-recovery-weights-too-low/
  3. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hunger-artist/201402/recovering-anorexia-how-and-why-not-stop-halfway
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yVa7jlUsMY
  5. https://anorexiafamily.com/target-weight-individualized-vs-bmi-eating-disorder/?v=7516fd43adaa
  6. https://tabithafarrar.com/2017/09/clinicians-not-help-us-recover-anorexia-set-low-targets/
  7. https://www.feast-ed.org/when-in-doubt-aim-higher-what-i-wish-id-known-about-target-weights-in-recovery/

Evaluating Target Weights in Adolescent Eating Disorder Recovery

The "Setting Target Weights: Are We Aiming High Enough?" webinar highlighted the importance of establishing appropriate target weights for adolescents recovering from eating disorders. By focusing on individualized goal setting, fostering team collaboration, and challenging weight bias, healthcare providers can support long-term recovery and promote healthy development for their clients.

‍

Visit our the Continuing Education section of our website to review and register for our future CE offerings. We look forward to seeing you there!

Most recent articles

illustration of people profiles
For you
May 19, 2025
7 min read

Eating Disorders and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions

Read more
Young girl with headphones looking mirror taking a selfie
For loved ones
May 15, 2025
8 min read

Causes of Body Image Issues in Adolescence

Read more
For providers
May 14, 2025
10 min read

Unpacking Asian American Eating Disorders and Cultural Influences

Read more
Rebecka Peebles
Text Link
For providers

Everybody deserves a full life

Recovery is possible for everyone. We’re here to help you get started.
  • - -
  • Level of care client is interested in

  • By submitting this form, I agree to Monte Nido's Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

  • Should be Empty:
or call
888-228-1253
to speak confidentially with one of our eating disorders specialists to start the road to recovery.
Treatment
  • What we treat
  • Who we serve
  • Our programs
  • Admissions
  • Financial considerations
  • FAQ
  • Our approach
  • Eating disorder quiz
Locations
  • All locations
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Virtual
For You
For loved ones
  • Caring for loved ones
  • Virtual support groups
  • Resources for loved ones
For clients & alumni
  • Post-treatment support
  • Virtual support groups for alumni
  • Request a medical record
  • Resources
for providers
  • Referrals 101
  • Continuing education
  • Meet our Outreach Team
About Us
  • What Monte Nido is
  • Trusted outcomes
  • Leadership
  • Advocacy
  • Testimonials
  • Our work in the news
  • Blog
  • Glossary
  • Careers
Contact Us
  • Reach out to us
  • Request a medical record
Monte Nido logo
Monte Nido Walden LogoMonte Nido Clementine LogoMonte Nido Rosewood Logo
Accredited by Joint Commission, and proud members of the Residential Eating Disorder Consortium and Eating Disorders Coalition
REDC, EDC, APA logos
888-228-1253
© 2024 Monte Nido. All rights reserved.
Accessibility Policy
Data Notification
Privacy Policy
Privacy Practices
Terms and Conditions