Aberrant gastric functioning in weight-restored but not acute restricting-type anorexia nervosa: An electrogastrography study.

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) have high levels of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, functional GI disorders, and alterations in interoception. The primary aims of the current study were to determine (1) whether individuals with AN differed in gastric physiology as measured by electrogastrography (EGG) as compared to healthy individuals and (2) whether their EGG activity changed from pre- to post-weight restoration.

METHOD

Adolescent and young adult females receiving inpatient treatment for restricting-type AN (n = 20) and healthy control females (n = 21) completed two EGG sessions, with measurements taken in fasting state and after administration of a water load. Participants with AN completed the first session while underweight and the second session following weight restoration. Healthy control participants also completed two sessions matched for length of time between sessions.

RESULTS

Participants with AN exhibited decreased normogastria post-water load when they were weight restored compared to when they were underweight. Healthy control participants' EGG measures were stable across sessions.

DISCUSSION

Findings provide evidence for aberrant gastric physiology in individuals with AN who have been weight restored, but not those in the acute phase of the illness. This supports the need for further research on GI functioning in AN.

PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a highly debilitating eating disorder that is difficult to treat. The causes of AN are largely unknown, but some theories suggest problems in gastrointestinal functioning may contribute to the disorder. This study found aberrant gastric functioning in individuals diagnosed with AN after weight restoration treatment. These findings contribute to our understanding of the causes and maintenance of AN and may ultimately lead to better treatments.