PHYSICAL MEASURES OF RECOVERY FROM ANOREXIA-NERVOSA DURING HOSPITALIZED REFEEDING

Objective: To examine the relationship between weight gain, changes in body composition and physiological characteristics of fitness during the recovery from anorexia nervosa. Design: Longitudinal over eight we eks of intensive inpatient re-feeding (Wk 0-8). Setting: The London Ho spital Medical College. Subjects: Ten female patients who agreed to pa rticipate. Seven completed the protocol. Interventions: Dual-energy X- ray absorptiometry (dexa) and skinfold thickness measures at Wk 0 and 8. Weekly measures of peak expiratory flow rate and cycle ergometry (s everal variables relating to aerobic work recorded at rest and during cycling at low loads (0-60W)). Blood samples for lactate and potassium measures, taken during cycling at Wk 0, 4 and 8 only. Results: (1) Bo dy composition: Mean weight gain over eight weeks was 9.6 kg, dexa and skinfold measures showing fat gain to contribute 62% and 54%, respect ively. Both methods showed significant changes in percentage body fat with refeeding (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively), however there w ere significant differences in results between methods before (P < 0.0 1) but not after (P = 0.2) refeeding. (2) Physiological function: Betw een weeks 0 and 8, mean peak expiratory flow rate rose to 85% of predi cted values, cycle ergometry performance improved in six subjects (thr ee never reached 60 W load), mean respiratory exchange ratio (RER) dur ing cycling fell at 0 W and 20 W loads (both P < 0.05), and oxygen pul se increased at rest and OW load cycling (both P < 0.05), Wk 8 values being well below normal. Oxygen uptake at rest and all loads increased in line with body weight gain only. No significant changes were seen in heart rate or blood lactate and potassium levels. Conclusions: (1) Lean body and fat mass increased significantly during eight weeks of r efeeding. The methodological difference in initial body fat measuremen ts requires further investigation. (2) The women had severely impaired physiological function. Variables studied were only slowly improving with refeeding, and work capacity was still well below normal.