---
title: "When Hospitalization May be Needed for Eating Disorders"
slug: "when-hospitalization-may-be-needed-for-eating-disorders"
updated: 2025-10-14T18:32:28Z
published: 2025-10-14T18:32:28Z
canonical: "healthhub.cpcmg.net/when-hospitalization-may-be-needed-for-eating-disorders"
---

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# When Hospitalization May be Needed for Eating Disorders

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Due to the numerous medical complications that can result from eating disorders, some patients may require hospitalization to help stabilize them and initiate treatment. When the patient is evaluated by their clinician for an eating disorder, they will obtain a variety of measurements including weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Blood pressure and heart rate may be measured in different positions including laying down, sitting, and standing up. Drastic changes in their blood pressure or heart rate between the different positions may indicate instability of their heart function which can potentially be life threatening. Labs will also be ordered to check for electrolyte abnormalities, kidney and liver function, and a complete blood count which can show anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelet counts.

Indications for urgent hospitalizations are:

- < 75% of ideal body weight
- Heart rate less than 50 beats/min during day, less than 45 beats/min at night
- Changes in heart rate of more than 20 beats/min with position change
- Changes in systolic blood pressure of more than 10 mmHg with position change
- Temperature less than 96 degrees
- Evidence of irregular heart rhythm on EKG
- Fainting episodes
- Potassium level less than 3.2
- Chloride level less than 88
- Refusal to eat despite clear decline in weight and overall health
- Suicidal risk

Those without the above indications may still be referred to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP) for stabilization and start of treatment.

## 📚 Article Information

Reviewed by PL MD Behavioral Health Committee, JW MD Patient Education Committee.