A Shape of my Own: Understanding and Treating Eating ...

Understanding and Treating Eating Disorders from a

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective.

Sarah Fogarty, M.Acup

July, 2011

A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy

School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health,

Engineering and Science,

Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.

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Abstract

Eating disorders are a common disease predominately affecting young

women. A multidisciplinary approach is the most commonly p rescribed form of

treatment for those with eating disorders. Despite the best practice biomedical

approach, individuals with an eating disorder are known to seek help from

complementary and alternative therapies (CAM). There is no scientific

evidence investigating the role of acupuncture as a CAM treatment in eating

disorders. The aim of this thesis is to provide a scientific evaluation of

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the area of eating disorders

encompassing both treatment and presentation. To meet this aim, three studies

were undertaken. The first study analyses the TCM diagnostic concepts

underlying eating disorders in a large sample of people suffering an eating

disorder (n= 142) or no eating disorder (n= 54). Statistically significant

differences were found between many of the TCM patterns. An extension of this

study includes the development of a predictive model to assist in determining

the probabilities of a possible eating disorder according to TCM principles. The

second study evaluates the effectiveness of TCM acupuncture when used as an

adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa.

Nine eating disorder sufferers? participated in the open label randomised crossover study. There was evidence that acupuncture improved the participants'

Quality of Life and decreased anxiety and perfectionism. The third study

appraises the effect of acupuncture in promoting weight loss and mental health

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in overweight and obese individuals participating in a weight loss program with

particular reference to individuals who have elevated eating and weight

concerns. Thirty five overweight and obese males and females participated in

the single blinded randomised cross-over study. TCM acupuncture was found

to have beneficial effects on the mental health of overweight women with an

elevated risk of eating and weight concerns.

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Student Declaration

Doctor of Philosophy Declaration

¡°I, Sarah Fogarty, declare that the PhD thesis entitled Understanding and

Treating Eating Disorders from a Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective is

no more than 100,000 words in length including quotes and exclusive of tables,

figures, appendices, bibliography, references and footnotes. This thesis

contains no material that has been submitted previously, in whole or in part, for

the award of any other academic degree or diploma. Except where otherwise

indicated, this thesis is my own work¡±.

Signature

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Acknowledgements

To Damien, my original supervisor, thank you for believing in me, helping me

get started and providing me with a great foundation to complete my PhD.

To Lily and Andrew who inherited me, thank you for taking me on board.

Thank you for all your patience, experience and guidance.

To David who has mentored me from the beginning of my post graduate

journey, thank you for all the time and effort you have put in and for your

friendship. This would not have happened without you!

To all the people who have helped make this project possible, Dawn Bannon,

The Oak House, Helio Supply Co. Pyt Ltd, Michael Mathai, the third year

nutrition students and the wonderful volunteers who were part of the trial.

To my Mum and Dad who have both been extremely supportive of all that I do

even when they haven?t liked what I?ve chosen!

To all my friends and family for their support and putting up with me during the

journey and for catching up less frequently than they deserve.

To Chris for his support, kindness, patience and care.

It was greatly

appreciated.

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