A prevalence study and description of alli® use by patients with eating disorders

Objective: This study examined the frequency and characteristics of alli® use among patients in eating disorder treatment facilities. Method: Patients from five treatment centers completed the Survey of Eating and Related Behaviors. Diagnoses were determined from survey responses. Results: Of 417 survey respondents, 26 (6.2%) reported a history of alli® use. Of those, 15 (57.7%) met criteria for an eating disorder, including one of 29 patients (3.4%) with anorexia nervosa binge-purge subtype, six of 66 patients (9.1%) with full or subthreshold bulimia nervosa, four of 49 (8.2%) with binge eating disorder, one of six (16.7%) with purging disorder, and three of 80 (3.8%) with an eating disorder not otherwise specified. Discussion: The results of this survey suggest that patients with eating disorders use alli®, albeit relatively uncommonly. Therefore, it is worthwhile for clinicians to inquire about alli® use when evaluating or treating these patients in any clinical setting.