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Fluid Intake in patients with eating disorders

  1. Susan Hart BSc1,
  2. Suzanne Abraham PhD1,*,
  3. Georgina Luscombe BSc2,
  4. Janice Russell MD3

Article first published online: 30 JUN 2005

DOI: 10.1002/eat.20155

Issue

International Journal of Eating Disorders

International Journal of Eating Disorders

Volume 38, Issue 1, pages 55–59, July 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Hart, S., Abraham, S., Luscombe, G. and Russell, J. (2005), Fluid Intake in patients with eating disorders. Int. J. Eat. Disord., 38: 55–59. doi: 10.1002/eat.20155

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital and The Northside Clinic, University of Sydney, Australia

  2. 2

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Australia

  3. 3

    Department of Psychological Medicine, The Northside Clinic, University of Sydney, Australia

*Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065, Australia

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 30 JUN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 30 JUN 2005
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 10 MAY 2004

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Keywords:

  • fluid intake;
  • eating disorders;
  • body mass index;
  • drinking behavior

Abstract

Objectives

The current study examined the fluid intake of patients with eating disorders and factors that may influence the amount and type of fluid consumed. Subjects comprised 81 inpatients with eating disorders.

Methods

A 7-day semistandardized, retrospective fluid history was taken by a dietitian when the subjects were admitted to an eating disorder unit. Total fluid consumed per day was measured, which included all energy-free, energy-containing, and caffeine-containing fluids (all in milliliters per kilogram). Age, body mass index (BMI), and eating disorder behaviors (purging, binge eating, and excessive exercise) were also evaluated.

Results

Fluid intakes ranged from 250 ml to >6 L per day, with an average of 2.7 L. Only 17% of patients had fluid intakes in the recommended range. The most commonly consumed beverage was water followed by diet cola, coffee, juice, and tea. The lower the BMI and the older the patient, the greater the fluid intake.

Conclusions

Fluid intake is variable and should be part of the clinical assessment of the eating disorder patient. © 2005 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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