When discussing weight with clients at risk for eating disorders, what approach should be avoided?

The approach of implementing strict weight loss goals should be avoided when working with clients at risk for eating disorders. This strategy can reinforce unhealthy behaviors and attitudes towards weight and body image, which can exacerbate the risk of developing or worsening an eating disorder.

Clients who are vulnerable may already have underlying issues related to body image and self-worth. Setting strict weight loss goals can lead to an unhealthy preoccupation with weight, fostering a cycle of restriction, bingeing, or other disordered eating behaviors. Instead, a focus on overall health and well-being—rather than a specific weight target—encourages a more balanced relationship with food and body image, promoting recovery and stability.

By steering clear of strict weight loss targets, practitioners can help clients build a more supportive and comprehensive understanding of health that encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological aspects, ultimately leading to healthier behaviors that are sustainable in the long term.