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Total body potassium, intracellular potassium and body composition in patients with anorexia nervosa during refeeding
Author(s) -
Pirke Karl M.,
Pahl Jörg,
Schweiger Ulrich,
Münzing Wolfgang,
Lang Peter,
Büll Udalrich
Publication year - 1986
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(198602)5:2<347::aid-eat2260050213>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - potassium , anorexia nervosa , medicine , endocrinology , chemistry , body weight , body mass index , anorexia , composition (language) , body water , zoology , weight gain , biology , eating disorders , linguistics , philosophy , organic chemistry , psychiatry
The total body potassium content and the potassium concentration in serum and erythrocytes was measured in 16 patient with anorexia nervosa (8 “vomiters” and 8 “restricters”). The data were compared with results obtained for 11 normal controls, whose body weight was 99.6% ± 4.99% of ideal body weight (IBW). Patients were studied before treatment (IBW 72.8 ± 6.3%) and after an average weight gain of 19%. Serum potassium was not significantly different between groups, but potassium concentration was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in both groups at the time of the first study. Total body potassium—as measured by the potassium‐40 method—was significantly lower in both “vomiters” and “restricters” than in controls and was normalized during weight gain. Cell body mass and fat mass were calculated from the potassium‐40 measurement. Both body compartments were significantly increased during weight gain; cell mass was normalized, but fat mass remained significantly below normal values.