---
title: National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)
type: entity
entity_type: organization
domain: health
status: active
---

# National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD)

Oldest U.S. eating disorder advocacy organization, founded 1976. Provides clinical guidance, support groups, and treatment resources.

## Timeline

- **2025-01-01** — Published joint clinical guidance with NEDA on GLP-1 receptor agonist use in eating disorder populations, documenting that GI side effects 'can trigger or worsen purging behaviors' and recommending tri-specialist care teams with hydration/electrolyte monitoring

## Overview

ANAD focuses on eating disorder treatment access, clinical standards, and patient advocacy. Their guidance documents clinical best practices but carries no regulatory authority.

## Key Clinical Positions

**GLP-1 Monitoring Requirements (2025):**
- Hydration and electrolyte levels (vomiting + GI side effects pose serious risk)
- Emergence of restrictive eating behaviors
- Weight loss rate and magnitude
- Eating disorder symptom changes via standardized measures

**Required Care Team:**
- Physician versed in GLP-1s and eating disorders
- Therapist experienced with both GLP-1s and ED treatment
- Dietitian familiar with this medication class and recovery nutrition

**Documented Risks:**
ANAD notes that GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastroparesis) 'can trigger or worsen purging behaviors' in vulnerable individuals, creating a direct pharmacological harm pathway. Approximately 2/3 of weight loss returns within one year if medication stops, creating weight cycling risk particularly harmful for ED populations.