Factors associated with improvements in readiness for change: Low vs. normal BMI eating disorders

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. METHOD:: 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/m² 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. CONCLUSION:: 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. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009