The information below was generously provided by Ephrat Lipton, ACSW, LCSW, BCD, CEDS, as a special service to F.E.A.S.T.

A formula for minimum weight
(state vs. weight):

Here is set of criteria that we look for in order to determine if you are at an adequate minimum weight:

1.) You have enough energy to do all the things in your daily routine that you would like to and/or are required to do.

2.) You are not obsessing about or thinking about food, body image, weight and/or exercise to the extent that it interferes with quality of life.

3.) You do not have a distorted body image (ie: your view of your body matches other’s views of you, including parents, peers, significant others, and treatment team).

4.) You are medically stable, have normal labs, vitals, and are having regular periods (if that’s your norm).

5.) You are thinking clearly and using good judgment about food, exercise, and other decisions in your life.

6.) You eat an adequate amount and variety of foods to get proper nutrition without guilt, obsessions, urges to binge, purge, and without engaging in compensatory behaviors.

7.) You can be flexible with food choices, meal times, and things changing (even if last minute and without notice) regarding exercise and meals.

8.) You can maintain your weight/range over time without working too hard and without continual major weight fluctuations.

9.) Your mood is not dictated by real or perceived weight/size/body image.

10.) You have freedom from self criticism and guilt over food choices, amount eaten, body image, and are eating naturally as appropriate (at celebrations, outings, for pleasure, etc.).

If you meet these criteria, we can assume you are likely at an adequate minimum weight. However, if you have some of the above symptoms, your weight is likely not where your brain wants your body to be.