Evidence summary for nutritional rehabilitation in patients with anorexia nervosa

This study aimed to systematically identify, evaluate, and synthesise evidence on nutritional rehabilitation in patients with anorexia nervosa, both domestically and internationally, to provide references for clinical practice. Relevant evidence was retrieved from domestic and international guideline websites, professional association websites, and databases, guided by the 6 S pyramid model. The search covered publications up to October 31, 2025. Four researchers independently assessed methodological quality and extracted and summarised evidence by theme. Nineteen studies were included: two clinical decision-making documents, one evidence summary, 15 guidelines, and one expert consensus. From these, 36 best-evidence items were synthesised across nine domains: multidisciplinary nutritional rehabilitation teams, nutritional rehabilitation goals, nutritional assessment, refeeding plans, approaches and principles of nutritional rehabilitation, behavioural management, complication management, psychotherapy, and nutritional education. This study systematically reviews the best available evidence for nutritional rehabilitation in patients with anorexia nervosa. In the subsequent process of evidence translation, relevant stakeholders should select evidence in a targeted manner by considering patient preferences and clinical contexts in their respective countries or regions, so as to ensure the scientificity and effectiveness of patients’ nutritional rehabilitation and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Clinical trial registration Registered with the Center for Evidence-Based Nursing, Fudan University (registration number ES20258339). This study is a synthesis of best evidence and does not involve clinical trials; therefore, no clinical trial number applies. This study aims to facilitate the recovery of patients with anorexia through safe and effective nutritional therapy. We reviewed international research to seek strong scientific evidence, aiming to make the nutritional recovery of these patients more scientific and beneficial. We found that successful nutritional recovery is based on several important factors, such as care provided by a team comprising different health professionals, clear nutritional rehabilitation goals, regular nutritional assessments, safe feeding plans, appropriate nutritional support methods and principles, correction of unhealthy eating behaviours, management of potential health issues, and provision of psychological support and nutritional education. Our findings can assist doctors and nurses in providing better treatment and care for patients with anorexia and support them in achieving better recovery.