Muscle quality is associated with health-related quality of life in patients with eating disorders.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between muscle quality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in women affected by anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), or atypical anorexia nervosa (aAN).

METHODS

Participants were included based on the following criteria: female, age between 10 and 50 years, and a diagnosis of AN, BN or aAN in accordance with the DSM-5 criteria. Body composition analysis was performed using anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was evaluated through handgrip strength test, and a muscle quality index (MQIarm) was calculated. HRQoL was assessed with the Italian Eating Disorder Quality of Life (IEDQOL) questionnaire.

RESULTS

111 women with AN (41%), BN (35%), and aAN (24%) were included. IEDQOL scores averaged 2.16 (1.97-2.36) in AN, 2.30 (2.13-2.47) in BN and 1.64 (1.33-1.94) in aAN. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, MQIarm displayed a negative association with IEDQOL scores, which remained significant after adjusting for diagnosis, level of physical activity (B = -0.06, p = 0.005) and clinical setting (B = -0.06, p = 0.005). Similar findings were observed using IEDQOL psychological or physical/cognitive subscales as dependent variable (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with AN, BN or aAN, reduced muscle quality was associated with higher IEDQOL scores, suggesting a deterioration in HRQoL.