The role of total body fat mass and trunk fat mass, combined with other endocrine factors, in menstrual recovery and psychopathology of adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the threshold of total body and trunk fat mass required for menstrual recovery and to assess the impact of body composition in psychopathology of adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN).

METHODS

Prospective study of 60 adolescents presented with secondary amenorrhea and diagnosed with AN. Anthropometrics, body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, hormonal studies and responses to mental health screens (EAT-26), were obtained at the beginning and at complete weight restoration, in all adolescents, independently of menstrual recovery (Group A) or not (Group B).

RESULTS

At weight restoration, Group A total body fat mass, trunk fat mass, and trunk/extremities fat ratio were significantly higher (p < .001) than Group B. Menstruation was expected in 20% of total body fat mass and 20% of trunk fat mass (% of total trunk tissue). At time of menstrual recovery, total body fat mass (%) and trunk fat mass (%) were significantly negatively correlated with EAT-26 (r = -0.363, p = .032) and (r = -0.416, p = .013), respectively, while an increase of 0.40% of trunk fat mass (%) lowers EAT-26 by one unit.

DISCUSSION: Trunk fat mass distribution can positively influence psychopathology of adolescents with AN.