Episode #10 Navigating the Rocky Path of Medical Complications Part 4

This is our last installment of medical complications to look for in eating disorder care.  Today’s episode covers refeeding and underfeeding syndrome in eating disorder care. Now we are looking beyond the basics of what to pack in your backpack and more so of navigating what trail to take, what additional things to pack and how much time you have in a given day with the trail you’ve chosen. Refeeding syndrome can evoke fear and underfeeding syndrome (the less common one most think about) can evoke confusion! As your “tour guides” here are some things to consider before your journey. What additional things to pack beyond the basics and knowing where you are going and what is waiting for you on your journey. 

• Know the continued labs to follow and other considerations when working with someone with malnutrition. How little have they been eating, how rapid has their weight dropped or what is their BMI are all items that can place a person at higher risk for refeeding syndrome (pack a medical kit).
• Know what physical symptoms can be present with refeeding such as night sweats, sore muscles upon waking or heart palpitations and weight restoration. Make sure you are requesting they visit with a doctor to monitor this things (pack a rain jacket and light coat. The weather can change fast!)
• Understand underfeeding syndrome (which is way more common than refeeding). How much energy is added and when is vital to keep internal organs functioning (including the brain) and keeping up with metabolic demands as the body is repairing itself. How much weight do they need to gain and where to start calories all need to be considered.  (Avoid overpacking and starting too late on your journey. Eating disorders are like an 8 miler over several days. Make sure you have adequate fuel along the way).