Randomized trial of measures of body fat versus body weight in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Abstract

To determine whether treatment goals based on body weight or body fat assessed by anthropometrics caused a larger reduction in the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) over 3 months during the treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN). Randomized trial comparing the use of body weight versus measures of body fat by anthropometrics, with the EDE as the outcome measure. Of 23 patients enrolled, 11 subjects who met diagnostic criteria for AN (DSM-IV) and received outpatient treatment from the Eating Disorders clinic of a university teaching hospital completed the study. Comparison of the 2 methods by independent t-tests, verified by Mann-Whitney and Sign tests, suggests no difference (p = 0.33). Due to the small sample size, statistical significance could not be assured. A cross-sectional survey of 48 clinic users found the majority of patients preferred to be followed by skinfold measurements and felt they were more helpful than weight. Regardless of which measurement is used, if the clinic staff firmly believe that a method is more helpful and more useful, it is likely that the patients will find it acceptable.