Weight suppression and its relation to eating disorder and weight outcomes: a narrative review

Eat Disord. 2019 Jan-Feb;27(1):52-81. doi: 10.1080/10640266.2018.1499297. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

Abstract

Weight suppression (WS) refers to the discrepancy between highest adult weight and current weight, and has been examined as a key construct related to both: eating pathology and weight management. However, despite increasing interest in WS, findings regarding the clinical implications of WS are often conflicting. For instance, WS has been associated with both adaptive and maladaptive outcomes across various populations. Moreover, results regarding the predictive utility of WS within clinical samples have been inconsistent. The current paper aims to provide a narrative review of existing investigation related to WS, highlight gaps in the field's understanding of this construct, and outline recommendations for future study.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight Maintenance*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Universities