Implicit approach-avoidance bias for body and food-related stimuli among individuals with anorexia nervosa in partial remission

These findings suggest that implicit avoidance bias for larger bodies, but not higher-calorie foods, may be present during partial remission from AN. These results are consistent with current treatment models of AN, which prioritize behavioral and nutritional rehabilitation first, and persistent body image preoccupations later in treatment. Pending future research, step-down care and relapse prevention for AN during partial remission may benefit from targeting these body-related fear and avoidance biases.