Changes in Resting Metabolic Rate and the Perception of Hunger and Satiety in Patients with Eating Disorders Throughout Residential Treatment

Abstract

Objective: This prospective observational study examined changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) and the perception of hunger and satiety in a group of patients with eating disorders receiving treatment in a residential setting. Methods: Seventeen women admitted at the Anna Westin House residential program, aged 18-41 (mean 27.2) years, were followed upon admission, each month of treatment and a post-discharge follow-up. RMR measurements were conducted via indirect calorimetry. Questionnaires were used to assess eating disorder diagnosis, as well as physical sensations, mood, and preoccupation with thoughts of food before and after meals. Results: Upon admission 5 subjects had anorexia nervosa, 3 bulimia nervosa and 9 eating disorder not otherwise specified. There was an increase in weight for the whole group between admission and discharge but no change in RMR. A positive correlation was noted between weight and RMR at admission and at discharge. The percentage of subjects reporting having no gastric feelings of hunger decreased between admission and discharge. At discharge, there was a decrease in the percentage of subjects who reported irritability, tenseness, depression and preoccupation with thoughts of food around meals. Conclusions: The results suggest a relationship between weight and RMR as well as a progression towards normalization of the perception of hunger and satiety throughout treatment. Further studies are needed to explore the trends observed in this study, their etiology and treatment implications.