Benchmarks of Recovery
What are the signs of recovery?
This “recovery roadmap” is invaluable for my patients to see signs along the way and to know they are on the road to recovery.
Eating occurs at regular intervals and is guided primarily by physical rather than emotional hunger
Metabolic rate, if measured, is restored and maintained at a healthful level
Weight for height, age, and gender is restored to a healthful range
For females, menstruation is achieved and maintained without oral contraceptives
Skin health, dental health, body temperature, hair growth and digestion are restored to normal
Healthy body composition (lean body mass and body fat) is restored and maintained
Caloric intake is appropriate for maintaining body composition
Purging behavior is absent
Use of diet pills is absent
Excessive exercise is absent
Binge eating is absent
The ability to tolerate (even enjoy) a wide variety of foods is maintained
The ability to tolerate normal shifts in weight (3-5 lbs) related to such factors as hydration, illness, seasonal and age related changes.
Weight gain does not deter from eating well
Acceptance of genetically determined body type, size and shape.
The ability to take care of ourselves and effectively cope with problems without resorting to eating or food related behaviors.
Feelings of connectedness to self and others.
Having an eating disorder and/or engaging in any ED behaviors no longer makes sense.
Tamara Pryor, PhD
Clinic Director
The Eating Disorder Center of Denver
Tamara is the clinical director at The Eating Disorder Center of Denver and a Fellow with the Academy of Eating Disorders. Her expertise has been recognized in the field of eating disorder treatment and in the clinical and research arena for decades.