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Abstract
The current study utilized qualitative, interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) to examine the lived experiences of those who have received or attempted to receive treatment for atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) while in a higher weight body. Anorexia nervosa (AN) continues to have the highest mortality rate of all other psychiatric illnesses and has been shown to lead to significant psychopathology and life-threatening medical complications. Those who struggle with AAN often bear the burden of proving they are “sick enough” or deserving of treatment and experience invisibility when interacting with professionals, family members, and peers. Individuals with AAN in a higher weight body experience weight stigma within their medical care and longer wait times to seek and receive treatment. This increases risk of development and is a barrier to contemplation of treatment, treatment, and prevention of relapse for individuals with AAN. This study is one of the first to engage in an in depth exploration of the lived experience of those who have received or attempted to receive treatment and/or recovery of ANN in a higher weight body and understand the lived experience of those at a higher body seeking treatment and/or recovery from AAN. Eight individuals who had received or attempted to receive treatment and/or recovery from AAN participated in in depth, semi-structured interviews where they were asked questions related to their experiences seeking or receiving treatment for AAN and the factors that impacted their lived experiences. Participants experienced shame, weight stigma, isolation, inadequate or harmful treatment experiences, invisibility, lack of support and accessibility, financial stress, and negative psychological impacts. The results of this study support the previous works that identified a significant need for advocacy and visibility for this population and the negative consequences of weight stigma within society, treatment centers, and among clinicians. Participants displayed resilience and strength in the face of these hardships and utilized their coping skills, hobbies, social supports, and sense of self-advocacy, advocacy for others, and self-trust as a source of strength.
