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

Abstract

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.