Fernstrom M H, Weltzin T E, Neuberger S, Srinivasagam N, Kaye W H
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA.
Biol Psychiatry. 1994 Nov 15;36(10):696-702. doi: 10.1016/0006-3223(94)91179-7.
Ad libitum feeding over 24 hours was assessed in underweight restrictor anorectic (RAN) women (n = 8) and matched healthy control subjects (n = 9) in a relatively naturalistic laboratory setting. RAN consumed 828 +/- 210 kcal/day (20 +/- 6 kcal/kg/day); controls ingested 2274 +/- 564 kcal/day (41 +/- 13 kcal/kg/day). Expressed as macronutrient consumption, RAN, compared to healthy controls, ate less fat (13% vs 31%), more carbohydrate (73% vs 57%), and similar amounts of protein (14% vs 12%). RAN initiated fewer eating episodes than controls (4 vs 7). This study quantitatively confirms the growing body of evidence suggesting that RAN avoid fat-containing foods. Such persistent fat avoidance may significantly contribute to the difficulty RAN experience in gaining and maintaining body weight.
