Bridging the gap, a process of weight loss with anorexiant therapy

by Volume, Carlyn Iris

The purpose of this study was to describe the process women experience when taking anorexiant medications. Grounded theory methods were employed to analyze data from interviews with nine women. The women experienced a 3-stage process called Bridging the Gap. The first phase, reaching a space, describes how the women came to be placed on the medications. The second phase, negotiating the bridge, articulates the wornen's experiences of weight loss while on the medications. Achieving a balance, the final phase, describes the women's experiences as they discontinued the medications. A wave of control was evident that illustrated the women's movement from a state where they were out of control and obese to one where they gained control when using the medications and finally, maintained control afier the medications were discontinued. This mode1 may help professionals understand wornen's batiles with weight control and their experiences with medications which rnay cultivate non-judgmental attitudes and ernpathic responses about individuals struggling with weight control.