title: Factors associated with improvements in readiness for change: low vs. normal BMI eating disorders.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine factors associated with improvements in readiness for change as a function of body mass index (BMI) in individuals assessed for eating disorders treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants (n = 128) completed the Readiness and Motivation Interview (RMI) and measures of psychiatric and eating disorder symptoms, quality of life, and self-esteem at baseline and at 5-month follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants whose readiness for change showed improvements in psychiatric symptom severity, global self-esteem, and in the importance of friendships as a determinant of self-esteem. Only those with a normal baseline BMI (20 kg/m(2) or greater) improved in eating disorder symptoms and quality of life, and reported increased importance of personal development and decreased importance of shape and weight as determinants of self-esteem.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Correlates of readiness differed between low and normal BMI participants, suggesting that weight status may be an important variable to consider in preparing highly ambivalent individuals for treatment.
authors.affiliation: Eating Disorders Program, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada. jgeller@providencehealth.bc.ca
authors.forename: Josie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.forename: Stephanie E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Cassin
authors.forename: Krista E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Suja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Srikameswaran
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002170:Canada; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D011613:Psychotherapy